TWO Darlington schools described as having serious weaknesses after after Government inspections are making progress in addressing their problems.

Dodmire Junior School and Rise Carr Primary School were given 40 days to draw up emergency action plans after receiving criticism from inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education earlier this year.

They were told they had to turn their performance around within six months and pass a second inspection, or face action by the local education authority, which could include closure.

Members of Darlington Borough Council's cabinet will be told today that progress is being made by both schools to address the problems.

Although the schools still have improvements to make, clearer information will be made available when the results of the Key Stage tests are known later in the summer term.

Cabinet members will be told that additional money is being used to help the schools address the issues raised.

In the case of Rise Carr Primary School, the council is funding an acting headteacher until the end of the autumn term, when a new appointment will be made.

Weekly visits are also being carried out to ensure the schools are making progress.

Dodmire School was said to be below the national standard in English, maths and science, with attendance described as unsatisfactory.

Rise Carr was criticised by inspectors for its weak lesson planning and poor attendance.