School's chocolate boost

A Norfolk headteacher claims his pupils' behaviour has improved dramatically - thanks to chocolate.

Dr Andrew Sheppard says there have been no exclusions since he started rewarding pupils with chocolate for good behaviour.

He began the scheme in 2005, since when exclusion days at Redcastle Furze Primary in Thetford have dropped from 65 a year to zero.

Critics said he was contributing to childhood obesity and dental problems, reports the BBC.

But Dr Sheppard said: "It has improved behaviour, they are polite and... they 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. Since then discos, picnics and Easter eggs have been handed out.

"We had people saying how terrible it was that we were bribing children and it was unsustainable," he said.

"We had complaints saying we were contributing to childhood obesity and rotting teeth. But the children really liked it and it really works."

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

Nova

Interesting read, thanks.