IN their lives outside school, it is probably true to say that the pupils of The Meadows, Spennymoor, are no strangers to negative vibes.

This is a secondary school for children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, the kind of attributes which don’t guarantee a smooth passage through the day.

At school, though, a dedicated and highly-trained staff ensure that pupils receive close attention, encouragement and praise where it is due.

Today sees the official unveiling of a new installation designed to brighten up the entrance to the school.

It is the result of a project in which pupils worked with art producer Penny Rae, photographer Carl Cordonnier and poet Andy Croft.

Penny, who used to run Dance City in Newcastle but now works independently, said they were commissioned by Sunderland University’s Centre for Creativity and Learning.

The first step was to talk to the staff at The Meadows, including head of art Emma Reed, about what sort of project might work well.

It was decided that a permanent installation would be better than an exhibition.

“We then had a two-week workshop period with the kids and staff, looking at what shared learning meant,” explained Penny.