I WANT TO GO TO THIS SCHOOL!

NAUGHTY SCHOOL CHILDREN GET FOOT RUBS.
UNRULY primary school students in Britain will be given foot massages by council-paid reflexologists in a controversial bid to improve their behaviour.

Lambeth Council in south London will spend $210,000 bringing reflexologists into schools next year.

"It's incredibly important that we address young people's behavioural problems," a council spokeswoman said.

"We make no apologies for using different and innovative methods, but this obviously won't replace more traditional ways of dealing with anti-social behaviour."

Reflexology involves massaging pressure points in the hands, feet and ears to relieve pain in other areas or improve general health.

But critics, including Tory MP John Penrose, say there is no evidence the alternative therapy will put misbehaving pupils back on track.

"Experienced teachers have a range of ways of dealing with badly behaved pupils and stroking their feet is not one of them," Mr Penrose said.

The same council reportedly has the smallest budget in London for new library books and has put a freeze on maintenance which has seen fountains turned off in parks.

Mark Wallace, from the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "How on earth is the education system going to succeed if there are luxuries given out for naughty children and nothing at all given to those who work hard and do well?

"With everyone struggling in the financial crisis, this is crazy money being paid out on a crazy scheme."

London-run company Bud-Umbrella will be brought into 60 primary and 14 secondary schools.

They will work with children under 13-years old who are poorly behaved.

The company's website says reflexology "can calm aggressive feelings, improve listening skills, concentration and focus".

"It can relieve anxiety and stress, and improve confidence and self esteem."

British Reflexology Association spokeswoman Nicola Hall said: "There is no hard evidence to say it works on children with behavioural difficulties, but I have heard and seen results."

SGS