AN extra £2.5m is to be pumped into Kirklees schools to raise standards in two age groups.
The cash will go towards key stage two pupils aged 11 and key stage four students aged 16.
Clr Geoff Alvy, the council's Cabinet member for children's services, said that what was planned would be a schools partnership involving parents, pupils, students and staff.
He said: "Raising school attainment goes beyond teaching in the classroom.
"It is about involving and supporting parents, looking at the school environment, training staff and looking at things like nutritional support to ensure pupils are at their best physically and mentally when they sit key stage exams and tests."
Most schools in Kirklees will benefit from the money over the next three years.
Promotional campaigns will be run to publicise the move and its importance, said Clr Alvy.
He told how the two age groups had been chosen because they were particularly significant ages for pupils. It was a time when immense pressure was placed on young people and their parents, Clr Alvy explained.
New services proposed include the opportunity for parents to attend sessions on providing support to their children.
Other plans include:
* Access to learning materials at home
* Computer technology access
* Study support centres
* Nutritional snacks before tests
* Relaxation classes, including `brain gym' sessions.
Clr Alvy said: "Research demonstrates that specific support to parents and students can help young people reach their potential. Supporting parents has a significant benefit and impact.
"In ear-marking this additional investment, the council is acknowledging that certain areas of such extra support will stretch school budgets.
"That is why it has decided to provide extra cash support to ensure that the children have access to a broad range of support at these key milestones in their education."
