"Tiny teachers". Could babies in class improve pupils' behaviour?

Poor pupil behaviour is a controversial issue, with parents, adults in general, the pressures of modern life and even mobile phones seen as key factors.

It is clearly a complex issue. Some believe that character and values can be taught while others advocate military-style discipline.

In complete contrast to the cadet force approach:

"Babies are set to be brought into primary schools in Cardiff to help improve pupils’ empathy levels and help reduce any bullying and aggression. The scheme, pioneered in Canada, encourages children to interact in a nurturing manner after observing a parent and baby in the classroom. Reports suggest children who have taken part are more likely to help others, share, and accept peers as they are.

"Around 2,000 school children will take part in Roots of Empathy, as the scheme is known, which will see a local parent and young baby visit their school nine times over the course of a school year.

"The sessions will be led by staff from the charity Action for Children (AfC) trained in the techniques of the programme. The project has been run in Scotland for two years and reportedly shown "amazing" results for "turnaround in behaviour in children’s classrooms and drop in anti-social behaviour".

Do let us know your thoughts on this, particularly if you have any experience of the project.