Have got a few pupils doing the Grade 1 piece Early on Morning, and wondered whether this piece might benefit from a little pedal here and there mainly to help with getting a good legato in the LH? However, a bit concerned that maybe pedal not a good idea for a Grade 1 exam.

The pupils playing this are mainly adults, who have done a little basic pedalling on other pieces.

Interested to hear opinions on this one.

This very much depends on whether you have taught them to pedal. If they can use the pedal well, I can see no problem with this, however if the pedal technique is anything like the average Adult Grade 1 pupil I've taught, I suggest they leave well alone.

If they can handle it and it improves the music, let them go for it. I have one pedalling 'Dragonflies' just at the end.

I don't see how pedalling could help the legato touch if the students are playing a proper finger legato in the first place. Could your students possibly be wanting to use dabs of pedal here and there to cover up poor legato playing?

My students are not suggesting the use of the pedal - it is me who is considering it's use it, and they are playing with "proper finger legato".