The Leeds school that runs anger management courses for five year-olds

Hillcrest Primary School in Chapeltown, Leeds, has drafted in psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Conduct at the school was labelled unacceptable by Ofsted inspectors and last year almost 40 pupils had to be excluded.

The school is now receiving the highest level of “behaviour support” from Leeds Council.

In the latest Ofsted report, inspectors point to some progress but say more needs to be done.

Inspector John Young said: “The deputy headteacher overseeing this aspect has a good understanding of potential flashpoints.

“Some pupils are taught in ‘nurture’ groups while others receive counselling in anger management and improving social skills. Joint working with a learning support unit and an educational psychologist is helping the school to break the cycle of poor behaviour some pupils have fallen into.”

This month’s Ofsted report also criticises achievement and teaching at the 429-pupil school. In the 17 months since its last inspection, the school is said to have failed to have made sufficient progress.

In 2010 at its last full inspection the school was rated as satisfactory.

Head teacher Teena Thomson said: “We are obviously all disappointed that the Ofsted team did not feel that Hillcrest has made adequate progress.

“We were, however, pleased by the acknowledgement of the positive actions being taken, particularly in improving behaviour.”

Leeds Council’s director of children’s services Nigel Richardson said several initiatives launched at the school would bring about the necessary improvements.