SCHOOLS in Sandwell are being urged to make more use of the borough's four residential education centres.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children's services, praised the work of the service which allows children to take short holiday breaks in stunning locations while they learn.

His comments came as a report on the fees the centres can charge was presented to the council's cabinet.

He said: "I would urge anybody who works with or has regular contact with schools to encourage them to use this brilliant service."

The authority charges schools £180 to £240 per child for a four day break and 6,000 Sandwell children a year enjoy stays in Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and North Wales.

The centres focus on outdoor activities and specialised subjects such as the arts.

The report highlighted the service's successful transition from a £520,000 budget a year subsidy to zero funding over a four period, whilst maintaining levels of pupil participation.

Explaining the service is self financing, Cllr Hackett said new teachers to Sandwell were often surprised that the council was still offering children the opportunity of educational breaks.

"When the government started to cut council's budgets many councils cut their residential education centres but we didn't panic and we slowly reduced subsides and allowed the centres to become self financing."

He added: "We are now one of the few councils that still offer this service as many just cut their budgets.

"Many young children in our borough have never been out of the ward area and this gives them the chance to have fun and support their learning and self development.

"I would urge schools and parents to make use of these places which give youngsters memories they will treasure."

The cabinet agreed to a two per cent increase in fees from August.