Pupils learn empathy from baby visits

♦babies are being brought into classrooms to stop bullying and improve pupil behaviour.

A series of primary schools in Northampton are taking part in the Roots of Empathy programme, a Canadian study that started in 2000.

In the project, overseen by the University of Northampton, parents bring newborn children to schools at various points during the academic year to help children develop empathy skills.

“Research has shown that children who have the programme know more about emotions and feelings, are kinder to their friends, are less aggressive and bully other children less than those who do not participate in the programme,” according to the organisers.

Dr Eunice Lumsden, the head of early years at the University of Northampton, said: “Through the baby’s development, the children learn to identify and reflect on their own feelings as well as the feelings of others.

“This in turn helps pupils to become more socially and emotionally aware.”