Children learn to play nice

Updated 13.06 Fri Jul 06 2007

Keywords: Ed Balls, behaviour, education, school

Children are set to receive lessons in how to manage their emotions in a bid to reduce classroom disruption and conflict.

Newly installed Schools Secretary, Ed Balls announced the £13.7 million scheme which will involve pupils being taught about resolving conflict without fighting through citizenship lessons and how to be good losers.

Newly installed Schools Secretary, Ed Balls announced the £13.7 million scheme which will involve pupils being taught about resolving conflict without fighting through citizenship lessons

The programme, known as the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (Seal) will be rolled out in secondary schools over the next four years.

It also sets out to teach pupils the value of competing fairly, losing with dignity and having respect for their competitors.

The Seal scheme is already running in 10,000 primary schools - about 60 per cent of the primaries in England.

Mr Balls said: "Many schools that have implemented this programme have seen a marked improvement in the way their pupils interact with each other both inside and outside the classroom."

Mr Balls added: "The programme will make sure that all children understand the importance of being confident and interacting with other children in a respectful and positive manner."

The announcement follows the introduction of new powers for teachers to discipline unruly pupils and use "reasonable force".