CHILDREN as young as three are to be assessed for anti-social tendencies under controversial plans.

A new review of persistent offending suggests the radical move could give children from difficult backgrounds a better chance in life, shepherding them towards a suitable level of support.

Proponents of the plan at Edinburgh City Council, which commissioned the research, said it would also help uncover medical problems such as autism. Children would be assessed either via a nursery or health visitors to ensure none was left out.

The Breaking the Cycle report was written after over a year's research taking evidence from dozens of experts in the field, the council said.

Marilyne MacLaren, chair of the committee that commissioned the report, said: "It is clear that together we are not succeeding in reducing the levels of offending; this is one of the biggest challenges facing public services.

"Failure is costing the taxpayer money and blighting lives while the resultant crime and anti-social behaviour brings anger and distress to our communities. There are precise indicators for people who might need support such as conduct disorder and aggressive behaviour."

She added: "It is not the kind of Blair Big Brother attitude, it is how can we help'? It is not that we are saying these children will be offenders, but we are missing a whole gamut of issues for children."

Ms MacLaren said a pilot scheme run through nurseries would test the ground for all children to be assessed.

Kenny MacAskill, SNP justice spokesman said assessing all children was like using a "sledgehammer for a nut".

"Let's concentrate our efforts on the disturbed and disadvantaged ones and allow the others to simply get on with their life."

The plan will be considered by the council's executive later this month.