FIVE and six-year-olds have the worst school attendance records in Darlington, according to a former college principal.

At a meeting on a major education review, former principal of Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College David Heaton said the figures showed the relationship between some schools and parents could be improved.

"That is not because the children are skiving off school.

"It must be done with the explicit or otherwise support of the parents. And I suspect that is a Darlington issue," he said.

"There is a growing number of parents who don't support the school in a way they would find helpful and would actually support their children against the school when quite patently they are out of order."

He added that he had been "absolutely shocked" when council officers had told him the figures.

Mr Heaton is chairing one of six task groups set up by Darlington Partnership to create a plan to improve the town.

His comments came at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's children and young people scrutiny committee, which he is consulting for the review.

Mr Heaton identified four other issues he wanted the group to look at.

They included the disparity between secondary school standards, the transition between primary and secondary schools, staff competence and the role of governors.

Murray Rose, head of children's services, said social services in Darlington had undergone a shake-up two years ago and time was needed for results to show.

"People already have expectations that a service and system and culture that has been in place for two years will deliver a fantastic performance. You have to be patient with things," he said.

He added investments for young children were taking place but results may not be seen for 11 years.

Mr Heaton said improving GCSE results was a priority.

"For the past few years in GCSE results, we have been below average. That doesn't feel good.

"The aim is actually trying to get improvements so well-established within the town, future success becomes inevitable."