Birmingham teachers to prioritise happy learning

Teachers in Birmingham are being told to prioritise the happiness of the pupils when putting together their learning programmes.

Birmingham City Council has implemented the scheme into its children's development making the prioritisation of happiness a legal requirement for the authorities of 440 schools, the Independent reports.

Les Lawrence, the cabinet member for children's services in Birmingham, claimed that happiness of children was linked to educational development.

"It's not just about happiness for the sake of it. We all perform better when we're smiling," he told the publication.

"We support our young people in making a positive contribution to society and the economy and prepare them for the world of work, but that would count for nothing if almost half the population are stressed and anxious."

As part of the focus on happiness, children will attend special 'emotional barometer' sessions and will be encouraged to discuss their feelings.