THE inequalities gap in the education of young children in Kirklees is wider than the national average.

The standard of education was discussed by councillors yesterday.

A report presented to the Educational Attainment Scrutiny Sub-group shows foundation stage children, aged up to five, had a good level of development.

But the inequalities gap remained at 33.2%, above the national average of 31.4%.

The gap is based on the results of the lowest attaining 20% of children and the rest of pupils in communication, language, literacy, physical and creative development, among others.

Key Stage One children, aged five to seven, matched or exceeded the national average, with 87% of children reaching the average in reading.

For Key Stage Two pupils, aged up to 11, 81% are passing English tests, compared with 82% nationally, while 78% were passing maths tests compared with 80% nationally.

Performance league tables will be published in Thursday’s Examiner, showing how Huddersfield schools performed.