Children ‘Should Learn Of Emotions’

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls is to urge schools to teach teenagers how to handle their emotions as part of a drive to improve behaviour and has promised £14 million over four years to extend the social and emotional aspects of learning programme (Seal) running in primary schools into secondaries.

A report on Monday found children who had been through the Seal programme produced better work at primary school and had improved relationships with their classmates and teachers. But the study by London’s Institute of Education found girls benefited more than boys and some children did not respond positively.

Teachers also felt it had a “limited” impact on reducing the number of pupils suspended or expelled for bad behaviour. The Institute of Education’s Professor Susan Hallam said: “Schools where the programme was piloted became calmer places with more positive atmospheres.

“The children appreciated each other more and were more thoughtful towards each other. But it also needs to be recognised that the programme may highlight the emotional and social problems of some children and that these children may need additional support.”

The overall impact of the Government-backed programme was seen as positive, with calmer lessons, teachers shouting less and children producing better work. The programme, which began in primary schools, had seven themes including “say no to bullying”, “good to be me”, “getting on and falling out” and “relationships”.