PARENTS will be able to track their child's movements at a North-East school when a new website is launched.

They will each be given an individual log-on code and a password to access the database of information about their son or daughter.

The scheme, at Hummersknott and Language College in Darlington, will enable parents to check on a pupil's attendance with a virtual register and see how their grades are progressing.

It is the first system of its kind installed in a Darlington school.

Individual timetables will be included so people can see what subject youngsters are studying on any given day.

It means parents will know what their children are doing day-to-day and be better prepared to help with homework.

Headteacher Pat Howarth said: "We are about to launch an online system so that parents can access information about their children.

"It is new software and is part of what we are trying to do with using technology in school to make it more interesting."

The system is expected to be operational after the October half-term holiday.

Mr Howarth said: "It has been used in other parts of the country, but I think it is the first time it has been used in Darlington.

"It is part of the partnership we have with parents.

"If children are going to be successful, then parents children and teachers at the school have got to work together."

The school already uses modern technology to bring lessons to life.

Equipment used in classrooms include digital projectors, interactive whiteboards and computer software.

Mr Howarth hopes to continue the technological revolution with e-mailed newsletters and letters for parents.

He is also thinking of sending out notices about school by text message.

Mr Howarth said: "It will be done from a computer and be typed in proper English not in text speak.

"We want to expand the use of information technology so we can e-mail out newsletters, letters to parents regarding their children and events that are taking place at the school, such as parents evening and sports fixtures.

"It is about using the technology available to us."