NO - Nick Gibb, shadow minister for schools, Conservative Party
There is no doubt that manners need to be taught and that behaviour needs to be good if children are to focus at school and learn. But are "emotional intelligence" classes necessary? Surely it is the whole ethos and rules of the school, and the expectations and attitudes of teachers, that ensure the school inculcates these values to its pupils. The Government risks driving out time for important academic subjects and undermining the professionalism and morale of teachers.
YES - Mashuq Hussain, youth worker, Edge End High School, Lancashire
I think it is a good idea. It will benefit pupils a lot. As a youth worker, I run courses in interpersonal skills anyway and they cover some of what these classes would be about. Introducing these classes would help me in my role. I really welcome them. It will take time, like anything else, and something should be done in the home as well, but it's a step in the right direction.
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