A special scheme to help children get the most out of their school days has been launched in Laindon.

The Home School Link project is aimed at youngsters on the notorious Five Links estate and is one of the first of its kind in Essex.

Sue Moore, project co-ordinator, said: "We have been set up to work with five local schools. Our role is to provide a link between home and education."

The project, based at the Bluehouse Farm Community Centre, works with local pre-schools, making contact with parents and visiting them at home.

It provides support groups and counselling to help families deal with a range of difficulties encountered at school. It is hoped that learning and behavioural problems can be identified at an early stage.

One early winner is an after-school club with a £500 book grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The children have chosen their books and the club will open its doors after the Easter holidays to 20 youngsters aged four to nine years.

Basildon council has teamed up with local schools for the project thanks to a £20,000 contribution from the county council's education department.

Councillor Paul Kirkman, housing committee chairman, said: "This ground breaking scheme is being set up to help deepen the involvement of parents in their children's schooling thereby helping the youngsters achieve their potential.

"This is further proof of efforts to help regenerate and improve the quality of life for every member of the community on Five Links."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.