Hexthorpe Primary School in Doncaster is getting pupils to help each other when they have problems so they don't feel alone and upset.

Friends help out

Children who are unhappy are introduced to circles of friends - classmates who have offered to help them talk through their problems.

This includes anything from bullying to difficulties with school work to feeling unpopular. The group tries to come up with ideas to help the pupil who is upset.

School Council

Two pupils from each year are also voted in as School Council representatives - they go to big meetings with teachers and mention problems that are bothering pupils.

Ideas can even be dropped into a 'worry box' anonymously.

One of the school representatives thinks the system really works:

"Sometimes the bully might feel insecure and unwanted.

"If someone bullies a lot we try and single them out from the other pupils and keep them in for breaks and at dinner time to see if the problems stop without them being on the playground.