SMALL rural schools in North Yorkshire have received a pledge of support to help them face up to problems caused by their size and isolation.

The important role they play in communities has been endorsed in a study carried out by a working group set up by the county council.

Its report has highlighted methods adopted by schools which could be used elsewhere in the county, including working together in formal federations or informal clusters to make the best use of each other's resources.

Because of its vast rural nature, North Yorkshire has many schools serving small communities: more than 160 of them have fewer than 100 pupils.

But they are facing challenges including falling pupil numbers and difficulties recruiting key staff, particularly head teachers.

They also face financial constraints because they are more expensive to run than much larger schools.

The report by the working group, chaired by Upper Dales councillor John Blackie, has now been endorsed by the county council's executive.

Its recommendations included encouraging small schools to develop their strengths by innovative working and providing professional assistance for small schools which wish to join forces.

The working party also pledged to support continued research into best practice and committment to future funding.

Coun Blackie said: "Our study has highlighted the importance of innovation and the key role the county council has in supporting and funding such work.

"In a rural area like North Yorkshire, only the county council has the resources and expertise that is needed."

Executive member for education, Councillor Chris Metcalfe, said the study had proved useful in the authority's approach to small schools.

He said: "Many achieve a great deal for pupils and we're committed to helping them do even better. After all, children have only one chance at education."

The chairman of the authority's young people's scrutiny committee, Councillor John Fletcher, said: "The study is a starting point for tackling many of the issues faced by small schools and helping them to achieve an excellent education for all pupils."