Schools offered £2,000 grants to boost link with Olympic borough

A partnership between the two councils was launched in 2008 after London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics was announced.

Five boroughs will host Olympic events but Barnsley Council is the only local authority so far to become engaged in a partnership with any of them.

The initial aim was to try to maximise the potential benefits from the Olympics for those living in Barnsley but now the objectives have been widened.

Although the two areas are quite different in their social and cultural make-up, both share similar challenges and now the councils and schools will work together to share 'best practice', transferring successful ideas between the two areas.

Darton primary school has now linked up with Colgreave primary school in Newham and a series of exchange visits have already taken place, with other initiatives planned.

Other primary and secondary schools across Barnsley are now expected to start forging similar relationships with other schools in Newham.

Some of that work will involve staff working together to exchange their most effective teaching techniques.

The Barnsley Newham Partnership is also offering grants to help schools with that work, though similar payments will also be available to other organisations involved in promoting the partnership and the long-term health benefits it is hoped it will bring.

The overall partnership should bring long-term benefits to Barnsley, by drawing on the most successful work done in Newham.

An Elite Performers Group is also expected to be established in Barnsley, as the council recognises that at present the town has "no process for developing, supporting or promoting elite or potentially elite performers from the borough."

Candidates would be identified by teachers and sports coaches, with those selected for the elite group expected to enjoy benefits including free or discounted access to training facilities, help with finding sponsors and the chance to form connections with their counterparts in Newham and to take part in masterclasses with Olympic standard athletes, as well as assistance from the Tessa Sanderson Academy in Newham.

A report to councillors explains: "Barnsley Council and the London Borough of Newham have very different cultural profiles, histories, strengths and weaknesses but at the same time share some similar challenges.

"Therefore while Barnsley is leading nationally in government initiatives such as Digital Britain and the Future Jobs Fund, Newham has particular strengths in areas such as volunteering and cultural diversity.

"The best practice learning programme will provide departments, teams and staff from Barnsley Council with the opportunity to link up with their counterparts in the London Borough of Newham with a view to sharing information and expertise."

Those connections should allow both authorities to "highlight and promote their respective strengths, while approaching long-standing challenges in innovative ways."

Areas likely be subjected to the partnership approach include volunteering, arts and culture, the expansion of digital connections as well as the development of elite sports performers.