HELPING children from disadvantaged backgrounds will be a key theme of an education conference taking place at the University of Derby tomorrow.

More than 160 teachers from Derbyshire schools will be attending the event, the first of its kind to be held in the UK.

Don't Fail Them in the Future is also aimed at minority groups or those with special learning needs.

Delegates could be invited to take part in research activities to understand more about the issues facing such groups and help identify solutions.

Mitch Moore, programme director for the Government's National Strategies, is the main speaker at the event, organised by Derbyshire County Council and aimed at empowering teachers to support children from these groups.

The conference will provide useful information on helping raise attainment with children from ethnic minorities, youngsters in care, travellers and disadvantaged backgrounds.

There will also be a focus on children with special educational needs and gifted and talented children in these groups.

Andy Hunt, a county council school improvement adviser, said: "National statistics show many young people within these groups do not make as much progress as the rest of the cohort.

"We are determined to ensure that every child in Derbyshire receives the best possible education and support to allow them to make the most of their talents."

During the event, the university will invite teachers to consider becoming research associates for its Research Centre for Education and Career Development.

University professor Dennis Hayes said: "Teachers coming to this conference will have a unique opportunity to develop their ideas and practice.

"We hope to build networks of research-active teachers throughout the region that can continue to build on today."