A PIONEERING initiative to help some of the most vulnerable children settle in to nursery has now been hailed a success.

Researchers found the Nurture scheme in Glasgow pre-school establishments has improved their communication skills and confidence.

A study by academics at Stirling University on behalf of Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health also concluded that children were able to improve their ability to recognise, express, and regulate their feelings.

Nurture classes started life in 2000 as a council pilot project to combat growing indiscipline in primary schools.

Teachers reported a number of children who were disruptive in class, but did not suffer from conditions such as autism.

Behaviour ranged from shouting and swearing to throwing books and pens around.

Pupils also had difficulty following instructions because they had not been taught to listen to what was being said to them.

Diagnostic tests on the types of pupils considered suitable for Nurture classes showed that some had the developmental skills of children half their age, or even less.

Officials at the council decided that the children's lack of basic social skills was to blame and began running classes to teach children behaviour that would normally be introduced to them by their families.