These are units outside the classroom where children who need particularly intensive support can spend some of their time. They enable schools to meet the needs of difficult pupils, while minimising, without exclusion, the disruption they might otherwise cause.

Staffing

There is a strong network of dedicated and skilled staff across our City Learning Support Units (LSUs).  Managers' network meetings and training events continue to be well attended and valued as a source of support and an arena for sharing good practice.

Pupils

All pupils access the curriculum so that they are not disadvantaged when they return to mainstream classes but there is an emphasis on key skills rather than on curriculum content.  LSUs also run individual and group programmes which address the behavioural difficulties which led to pupils being referred for LSU support.  They also have close links with other agencies.

LSU self review - particular strengths identified include:

• Clear and effective line management within the school
• Effective multi-agency links
• IEPs/PSPs in place for pupils placed in the LSU which address both behavioural and learning needs
• Clear expectations and rules in place
• Flexible enough space to allow for the changing needs of a group of pupils
• The networking arrangements for LSU staff to meet regularly and share ideas between themselves and the LA

The main area for development of LSUs would be to ensure that the LSU is a provision that is owned by all staff and pupils and recognised as belonging to the whole school.

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Improving Behaviour Through Therapeutic Approaches(1.24MB)