Derbyshire pupils wear slippers at school to get 'better grades' Published duration 31 January 2017

image copyright Findern Primary School image caption The head teacher at Findern Primary School said the slipper trial for the whole school will go on until July

A primary school has allowed its pupils to wear slippers in class after research suggested it helps them get better grades.

Findern Primary School in Derbyshire has been trialling the idea there are benefits to children's learning when in a "shoeless" environment.

Professor Stephen Heppell from Bournemouth University said he found children behaved better without shoes.

Findern head teacher Emma Tichener said the pupils have been "more relaxed".

'Not compulsory'

Prof Heppell researched the topic for more than 10 years in 25 countries.

Shoeless learning has been carried out in schools in Scandinavia and New Zealand and learning centres in other countries.

Mrs Tichener said: "We are noticing that the children seem more relaxed and calmer than usual," she said.

"We hope that in time we can measure their progress and see if it has made a difference in their achievements.

"We are looking for different ideas to improve the experience for our students so if this works then it might become a more permanent."

Mrs Titchener added that the approach was "only about enhancing" the pupils learning and "not a compulsory part" of the school's uniform policy.

Why go shoeless in school?

image copyright Findern Primary School

Children seem to behave gentler and bullying is reduced

Noise is reduced

It's more hygienic - carpets are cleaner and reduced wear and tear on furniture.

Children are more willing to sit on floors and soft furnishings creating more space for collaboration, presentation, role play

Teachers do not end up in conflict about the "right kind" of shoes

West Thornton Primary Academy, in Croydon, Surrey has several shoeless zones around the school.

Teacher Ayla Arli said the children "felt more comfortable so results went up".

"We've definitely seen a change in behaviour," she said.

"Behaviour is much calmer in the learning zones, the noise levels have gone down.

"It was their idea, they had to present the data back to us to prove that this is not just a gimmick, this actually has an impact on learning."

image copyright Stephen Heppell image caption Shoeless children at the TK park learning centre in Bangkok