Children's Minister Margaret Hodge learned something about the tough realities of growing up when she met pupils at a Blackbird Leys school.

The minister visited Oxford's Pegasus Primary School to witness the operation of a ground-breaking scheme which has improved pupil behaviour.

She kept her vow to see how the project worked on the ground, when she sat cross-legged with 30 pupils, aged seven and eight, around a candle.

After listening to their views about a wide range of issues, including bullying, Ms Hodge took part in "a gentle touch exercise", which involved tracing patterns on pupils' backs.

The Circle Time Session is part of the Family Links programme, which involves training parents and school staff.

The scheme, introduced at Pegasus seven years ago, focuses on helping children understand their own and other people's feelings.

Ms Hodge said: "It was difficult to visualise it without seeing it operating on the ground. I have to say I am very impressed."

The minister's efforts to deal with the emotional difficulties of pupils recently plunged her into controversy, when it was reported she wanted to see children given psychological counselling at schools.