Mothers are being invited to take their newborn babies into schools as part of a nationwide scheme to help cut aggressive behaviour among pupils.

The programme, Baby Matterz, was pioneered in Liverpool but is now being introduced to primary and secondary schools in England and Wales.

Teachers have already reported that pupils become calmer and more mature when newborn babies are introduced to their classrooms.

They are prepared to follow rules such as taking it in turns to speak to avoid upsetting the baby.

Local mothers are first invited to schools when they are pregnant, and then continue to visit with their newborn infants.

During special monthly sessions children observe the babies and witness their development over three years. Teachers use the sessions as a "bridge" towards learning goals in such areas as literacy and numeracy.

Aulden Dunipace, managing director of The Learning Partnership, which devised the programme, says he is "excited" about one early breakthrough at De La Salle Humanities College, Liverpool, the only secondary school to pilot the scheme.

"It doesn't amount to research, but the results from one class were extraordinary. The boys involved had learning difficulties ranging from severe dyslexia to autism, and in the first year of the pilot their behaviour improved dramatically."

Paula Howard, who teaches at De La Salle, told The Times Educational Supplement: "The impact of the Baby Matterz initiative has been remarkable. We have found a huge improvement in pupils' behaviour and speaking and listening skills.

"One autistic child used to talk like a four-year-old. Since the scheme, his speech has improved and he uses longer, more structured sentences."

Studies of the initiative have shown that pupils become attentive during sessions and more switched on to the classroom situation.

Kathy Connor, who leads the initiative at Fazakerley Primary School, Liverpool, said: They each take turns to ask a question, rather than talking over one another.

"Having a baby in the room really changes their behaviour. They show an newfound respect for each other and a greater respect for the baby."

Jenny Carter, the school's acting head, said: "We feel very proud to be taking part. It's been fabulous."

Fazakerley now has five mothers and babies involved in the initiative.