On a tough Plymouth estate, with over half the pupils having special needs and free school meals, the school has now transformed itself. Having first gained control by using American 'assertive discipline' techniques, Lorna Farrington and her staff set about moving from 'teacher power' to 'pupil empowerment'. Every possible opportunity is taken to treat each child as an equal, active partner in the democratic running of the school. At the start of each term, for example, class teachers may take as much time as they need for induction. This time is allocated solely to setting boundaries, creating teacher-pupil empathy and working on basic social skills such as listening, friendly ways to join a group, respecting others' space and anger management.
Children also identify and apply for jobs such as librarians, first-aiders and litter busters.
Circle time is a crucial tool and the medium through which all negotiation and discussion takes place. The School's Council is a natural extension of class circle time. Pupils may also take on training and responsibility as guardian angels' Difficult behaviour is managed effectively by involving children at all levels. They negotiate and agree on school rules and may award house points to their peers. Pupils may also take on training and responsibility as mediators and guardian angels.