FLEXI-TIME has been introduced at Prestwich High School as a reward for good behaviour.

Model pupils can look forward to a lie-in as part of positive behaviour initiative - but they will have to collect good conduct credits first.

The scheme is the idea of pupils who serve on the school council and model students are awarded points throughout the term for punctuality, full attendance, wearing school uniform and good behaviour.

These can then be cashed in at the end of 13 weeks for a range of perks, including audio and videotapes, book tokens or time off for good behaviour on a pre-arranged morning.

The scheme has been running for several years but students will have the option to turn up after the school bell for the first time on Wednesday, July 7.

Credits are still being tallied and it is estimated that about 200 11 to 16-year-olds out of 800 will be able to have a lie-in on their arranged day.

School council secretary Shazad Younas (15) is hopeful of earning a late start and is looking forward to a long lie-in. "We thought about the reward scheme and wanted a way of rewarding pupils' good achievements in a way more closely connected with school," he said.

"At first we were a bit unsure as we thought we wouldn't be allowed to miss lessons but most of the teachers approved of it as they know it is only once a term."

He thought that behaviour had improved in school as a result and added: "It is good as only a certain number of pupils gain credits and it makes other people who haven't got credits want to get them as well.

"It is good to see that pupils' ideas are being turned into something."

Mr Brian Worthington, head of the upper school, said: "We have had early finishes before but never late starts. The idea came through the school council as we asked them what they would like as rewards."

He pointed out that work missed by students would be re-arranged for a later date.

"There is no point in having rewards that pupils think are of no value. The pupils who take part will be conscientious anyway and keen not to miss out on their studies," added Mr Worthington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.