A GROUND-breaking scheme encouraging parents to become more involved in education in Worcestershire has been given the go-ahead.

Under the plans - believed to be the first of its kind in the country - parents will be able to discuss everything from fair funding to special education needs (SEN) at a conference with education experts.

A Parents' Voice group will also be set up to act as a forum for debate and a support service for mothers and fathers who wish to talk about their children's education.

The move was agreed between parent governor representative Jonathan Pearsall and Worcestershire County Council officers at County Hall last week.

"This is purely for parents and is non-political," said Mr Pearsall, who has been a fair funding campaigner for Worcestershire's schools for years.

"Parents will be able to have an open ''market place'' to talk to whoever they like at the conference, where director of education Julien Kramer will welcome the guests.

"It's great to have the backing of the council and also that Worcestershire is really leading the way."

The conference, entitled "Schools - Big Changes Ahead", will be held at Droitwich Spa High School and is scheduled for Saturday, April 16.

Parents will be able to chat to agencies such as Children in Care, Social Services and education and health professionals, on issues such as:

n Special Education Needs.

n Fair funding for Worcestershire schools.

n The curriculum.

n What parental support is available.

n Early years education.

n Reorganisation of county schools - three-tier to two-tier education.

It is also hoped the conference will be the first of regular meetings for Parents' Voice - a new support and advice group for parents to debate all areas of education.

"Hopefully, Parents' Voice will become established and it will help bring everyone together," said Mr Pearsall.

"This is something I've been trying very hard for and it's great to see things moving forward and Worcestershire leading the way."

Posters are being sent to schools and organisations across the county. Anyone interested can attend the conference, set to start at noon.