School finds the key to well-behaved pupils...bribe them with chocolate

All sorts of schemes have been concocted to deal with unruly schoolchildren.

But the solution may be simpler than we think - bribe them with chocolate.

A school in Norfolk which offered sweet treats to pupils in return for good behaviour claims its young tearways have transformed into little angels.

The controversial initiative was introduced into Redcastle Furze Primary School in Thetford after pupils had 65 exclusion days between 2004 and 2005.

Amazingly since launching the scheme   three years ago there has not been a single exclusion.

At the time the plan was widely criticised for bribing children, but teachers say it has been a roaring success.

Teacher Andrew Sheppard said: ' We had people saying how terrible it was that we were bribing children and it was unsustainable.

'We had complaints saying we were contributing to childhood obesity and rotting teeth.

'But the children really liked it and it really works.

'It has improved behaviour, they are polite, they are welcoming and they all have a sense of responsibility.'

In September 2005, Dr Sheppard pledged to give all 240 pupils a bar of chocolate if they made it to the half time break without any exclusions.

The scheme proved so successful it was extended term by term, with discos, picnics and Easter eggs other rewards handed out since.

Dr Sheppard said he hoped other schools would follow his lead.