Children sat in a circle and held hands as part of a programme designed to cut aggression in schools.

Pupils from Pegasus First School in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, showed how a nurturing programme run by the education charity Family Links works.

They were at a forum held by Family Links at Oxford University's Department for Educational Studies in Norham Gardens.

Nurturing, which is used in schools throughout Oxfordshire, teaches children in small groups to learn the impact of their behaviour on others.

Nurturing sessions are called "circle time" because the children sit in circles and they abide by rules which include no criticising or laughing at anyone and not interrupting.

Each pupil has to give examples of when they get angry and then think of good ways to deal with their anger.

Jill Hudson, head of Pegasus School, told the forum that nurturing had helped her school get off special measures last year by improving behaviour and creating a better atmosphere.

She said that before her school used the techniques she could expect to duck out of the way of items being thrown or find a child sitting on a shelf instead of a chair. Her pupils were now much calmer.

She added: "Teachers notice and reward good behaviour. Teachers now enjoy teaching."