SCHOOLS are targeting East Lancashire's classroom tearaways in a pioneering project.

They have become 'listening schools' in a joint scheme with the NSPCC in which teachers hope to reduce the number of children who are kicked out because they are troublemakers.

It aims, too, to boost pupils who have become isolated and unhappy.

Linda Richardson, of Lancashire County Council, who will manage the pilot project, said: "The idea to create 'listening schools' came from research into the number of children excluded from school and an idea that if schools could 'listen' this number could be reduced.

"This then led us to believe that a school's social climate is as important to children's learning and development as the curriculum itself."

Vivienne Ross, of the NSPCC, added: " 'Listening schools' will encourage environments where children and young people can feel supported and safe, empowered and informed, and through which they will become caring and responsible adults.

"We want to enhance pupils' confidence and self-esteem."

Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, St Mary Magdalen's CE, Accrington, and Kelbrook Primary, Barnoldswick are among nine schools in Lancashire which have joined the initiative.

In the schools, good buddies will befriend younger children, with the aim of looking out for those pupils who are isolated or unhappy. They will also play with younger children and teach them how to play well together.

Blackburn with Darwen education authority recently introduced its own buddies scheme for primary schoolchildren identified by their teachers as being withdrawn and in danger of developing teenage drink, drugs and depression problems. The scheme will be expanded next year.

An NSPCC conference in Chorley on Friday entitled 'Creating the Listening School' attracted more than 100 teachers and others working in education.