Too much discussion only reinforces her problem behaviour by giving it attention.

Before the introduction of the perks scheme, teachers were spending 90 per cent of their non-teaching time dealing with problem behaviour.

The solution was better co-operation between schools and social care and health agencies as soon as problem behaviour was identified.

The treatment would involve cognitive behavioural therapy, which enables a problem behaviour to be understood and self-awareness to be developed through a process that feels non-judgmental and compassionate.

This was the case for the beneficial effects of early nursery care (increased achievement) and the adverse ones (increased problem behaviour).