A PIONEERING education project has come under the Ofsted spotlight.

An inspector yesterday looked into the Enterprise Academy, in Middlesbrough, and its innovative work with young people.

Middlesbrough Football Club, a partner in the scheme, is to introduce 11 to 19-year-olds to the principles of business and self-employment.

The three-year project - the first in Britain to be centred around a football club - is supported by local councils and funded by the Government's single regeneration programme. Ofsted is looking at the academy as a case study.

The schools inspectorate is undertaking a survey of good and interesting practice and will give advice on standards. The work is being carried out by the Curriculum Advice and Inspection Division (CAID).

Brian McCafferty, Head of CAID's inspection division, yesterday saw the academy work with pupils from Ormesby School.

Michael Glenn, Enterprise Academy project manager, said: "It's great that the work we're doing in local schools has come to the attention of Ofsted. Hopefully, Mr McCafferty's visit will provide him with a range of ideas as enterprise learning becomes an integral part of the secondary curriculum."

Mr McCafferty, a former footballer, said: "I appreciate the potentially positive influence and educational motivation that a football club can provide for young people.

"I learned about Middlesbrough's Enterprise Academy through a chance meeting with a local advisor colleague. What I was told about the work in Middlesbrough and Stockton sounded too good to miss."