The first year of senior school is a daunting time for any child, but one school is giving those who might otherwise struggle a helping hand to settle in.

Belfairs High School, in Leigh, has just been praised in its latest Ofsted report for its transition house, which helps a handful of Year 7 pupils adjust to senior school.

Getting to grips with this new environment is important so youngsters can concentrate on making friends and getting good grades.

One, Dale Kelly, 11, said he thought senior school was going to be easy - until he got there.

He said: "I didn't really like primary school because the headmaster was really strict. I thought I would like Belfairs because my sister is here, and most of my friends.

"But I thought the place was going to be much smaller than it is. On the first day, I was really scared because I didn't know anybody.

"The transition house is OK, because we do all fun stuff. I am not very good at maths, but I have got better since I have been here.

"I am looking forward to going back to the main school."

Another, Reece Smith, 11, said: "We get more help and when we go out, we are going to be good at the lessons that we were having trouble with.

"Here, we get to do drawings and Miss explains it really well, so we understand it. But I am looking forward to going back."

The house is as much of a hit with its teachers, Carol Masters and Gemma Clifford, as with the children.

Mrs Masters said: "I think it is fantastic. To see the difference in some of the children from when they come to when they leave us is great. You see their confidence grow, and their ability.

"We can work more closely with them and give them more undivided attention than they can get in the main school."

Miss Clifford agrees: "Because they are such small groups, I will really get to know the kids, and whether they will enjoy something or not.

"When you are that close, you don't need to be looking at them to know exactly what they are doing.

"Sometimes it is quite difficult because they all work at different levels.

"It is important to have a range of work to stretch the kids who need it."

The house is split into two classes, which are taught maths, English, geography and history. The rest of the children's lessons, such as languages, PE and music, are taught in the main school.

Its pupils are selected by Tracey Foster, who taught in the house for several years and is now the school's special education needs co-ordinator.

She goes to local primary schools, who suggest pupils who might benefit from starting in the transition house.

Miss Clifford says: "The kids we have are a bit of a mixed bunch. There are some who have got medical conditions like ADHD, some who have behavioural problems and some who just need their self esteem boosted.

"This year, we have one girl whose first language is German. She is here to help her get to grips with her spelling.

"We also leave a couple of spaces in the class so that if any of the children in the main school are struggling they can come in."

The house is now in its sixth year, and is still one of only a handful in England. Even though it is still a rarity, it is a highly valued one.

Ofsted inspector John Mitcheson was so impressed during his visit last year, he singled it out for praise, saying to pupils: "The support provided for some of you through the work of the transition house is exceptional.

"These high quality support systems are not seen in many other schools and those of you who have benefited from them are very fortunate and no doubt grateful."