FORMER England and Newcastle footballer Peter Beardsley is encouraging families in County Durham to take an active role in their children's education.
He spoke at a conference to celebrate ten years of family learning at Ushaw College, Durham, yesterday.
Studies have shown that children aged from 11 to 16 can progress between 15 and 17 per cent in maths and reading with help from their parents.
Adults too benefit from helping young people and can improve their own literacy, numeracy and raise their self-esteem.
Mr Beardsley said: "As a father, I'm a strong believer in supporting your child's education. It shouldn't just be left to teachers.
"Parents and other family members have a responsibility too and by helping your child with their education you can often learn just as much as them."
The conference was organised by Family Learning in County Durham, a county council-led partnership that encourages people to learn together through a range of courses.
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