WHEN children come back into the classroom after tearing around the playground, they can take a while to settle down.

But at one Burnage school they are given a helping hand to calm down - automatically dimming lights.

And mid-morning, when their concentration is most likely to flag, the lights brighten to boost their spirits.

The effect of the subtle changes in lighting is still being scientifically researched.

But staff at Green End Primary - which moved into new premises last year - believe it may have helped transform the school.

In 2005, Green End was judged to be struggling by Ofsted inspectors and was placed in `special measures' - the category reserved for schools that are failing.

But now the school has been removed from the special measures register.

Headteacher Lisa Vyas said calming music had been used in a similar way at Ladybarn primary, where she is also head.

There, soothing tunes are played in classrooms immediately after breaks.

But in order to get children moving quickly when needed, such as when they are clearing things away, energetic music is played.

Ms Vyas says the sophisticated lighting system may be one of the factors in Green End's turnaround.

But she stressed the importance of improvements in teaching and learning, improved staff morale, an increased range of activities - both after school and at lunch time - and a crackdown on pupil absences.

Ms Vyas says that, now there is more for the children to do, they are more motivated and want to learn.

And, she says, the changes have won the support of the community. Ofsted inspectors have praised Ms Vyas, who was drafted in to turn the school around last year.

Their report says: "The rate of improvement has escalated since the new headteacher took up post because of her outstanding leadership.

"Her excellent strategic understanding of how to improve the school has been translated into practical approaches which make a demonstrable effect. This has given a boost to staff, whose confidence and morale is now high."

Commenting on the new report, Ms Vyas said: "This is a fantastic outcome for the whole school community.

"We have ambitious and exciting plans to continue to take the school from strength to strength."

As part of her drive to improve the school further, Ms Vyas has tightened up the rules on authorising parents to take children out of school for trips or holidays.

Welcoming the Ofsted report, Manchester council spokeswoman Sheila Newman said: "We deeply appreciate the efforts of Lisa Vyas and the hard work of her staff in turning round the school."

Ms Vyas will continue to run both Ladybarn and Green End primary schools for the next two years, as an accredited National Leader of Education from the National College of School Leadership.

NCSL spokesman Toby Salt said: "I would like to offer my warm congratulations and thanks to Lisa and her staff for working so hard to turn Green End around."