PLANS are underway to create a permanent hub for children’s sleep workshops at a Bournemouth primary school.

Workshops already carried out at Winton Primary have proved to be such a hit that parents from other schools are now taking part.

And the programme, run by Bournemouth University sleep expert Dr Andrew Mayers, is attracting interest from across the country.

Dr Mayers has recently appeared on national television and hopes to eventually launch an online resource guide to good bedtime and sleep routines.

Dozens of parents turned out for the latest workshop at the Oswald Road school, where they were given advice and told about the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

Dr Mayers and representatives from the school and charity Barnardo’s explained how poor sleep patterns lead to under-achievement at school, lack of concentration, disruptive behaviour, arguments and problems within the wider family.

Head of School at Winton Primary, Sue Wickings, said: “We hope to become a hub and workshops are already offered to other schools in Bournemouth. “It is all about developing the potential of the children.”

And Pat Bate, parent and pupil support worker, added: “Tired children are a problem for the school as well as the family.

“We can’t get the best out of them if they are tired.”

Parents at the session said it had been beneficial.

Mum-of-three Ilham Shebani said: “I did not appreciate how important a bedtime routine is. I thought I had no one to talk to but by meeting other parents I know I am not on my own and things are better since I started coming here.

And Sandra Coomber, mother of a 10-year-old girl, said: “It used to be an absolute nightmare but since I came to the first workshop two years ago things have gradually improved.

“We are both getting better sleep and my daughter has just had her best school report ever.”

More details are available from andrewmayers.info