A PLAN to "fast track" the area's most gifted pupils was welcomed by Bournemouth councillors on Wednesday evening.

Members of the education committee were presented with papers outlining Bournemouth's response to government calls for talented pupils to be properly encouraged.

The policy statement, drawn up by teachers, governors and council officers, resolves to identify talented pupils through assessments and observation, design challenging activities for them, set targets and help parents to give support.

Education officer Pratap Deshpandi told members: "Teaching and learning can be improved for these children while improving learning for all children. Not only the very talented will benefit."

Cllr Bronwen Littlewood said: "I am excited by this, I have wanted it for a long time as a person and as a parent. There are some children who definitely need to be fast tracked."

Cllr Ted Taylor commented: "I approve of this policy and I think that the children themselves should be involved in making it."

Cllr Andrew Garratt told the committee: "I was identified as a gifted pupil myself 25 years ago and I am concerned that this should not be limited to the academic subjects. We should remember that the whole child has to be developed."

Cllr Margaret Rose added: "I am very pleased to see this especially for those children who are not academic but who do excel in music and the arts as they really need the support."

Cllr John Beesley told members: "I welcome this report. Far too often we hear about what we should be doing for disadvantaged children, and to be improving the future for children with specific gifts and talents is to be warmly welcomed."