SENDING your child back to school with a houseplant under their arm could be the best way of preparing them for the trials and tribulations of the New Year.

Latest research reveals children are happier in a classroom adorned with greenery as it gives them a greater sense of wellbeing.

And plants in the classroom reduce the chances of pupils being off sick by a third, according to the international organisation Plants For People.

Parents are also warned to be aware of volatile organic compounds -- given off by paints and computers -- in the school which could make pupils feel tired and give them headaches, sore throats and eye irritations.

Studies in Norwegian primary and secondary schools showed an inclusion of plants reduced VOC levels by 35 per cent and health complaints by nine per cent.

And 82 per cent were keen to study in the green classrooms in the future.

Colleen Smith at Plants for People said: "Whilst we are all keen to have our offspring looking their best as they return to school, how many of us also consider their welfare, and packed a houseplant to get them through the working day?

"A lot of plants serve as natural air conditioners and if we are all keen to reduce absenteeism, a trip to the local garden centre might not be such a bad idea."

Plants used in the experiment included easily available houseplants.

The research was carried out by Professor Tove Fjeld in Norway and the full report findings are available at www.plantsforpeople.org