LSU

The Learning Support Unit

All kinds of pupils are supported by the LSU including those who:

Have poor anger management skills                                                                           

Find it difficult to accept sanctions                                                                                      

Are aggressive, insolent and belligerent

Have poor social and communication skills                                                              

Lack self esteem or confidence

Find adjusting to new situations difficult

Have difficult family or social circumstances

Are long term absentees

Making a difference - the LSU provides a unique base for pupils who have disengaged with education.  With skilled staff input pupils have regained confidence in themselves and a belief in their achievements.  The main impact has been:

On pupils - remaining engaged with education through a variety of flexible packages. Greater confidence and self esteem.  Measurable improvements in basic skills.  Improved behaviour and social skills. Improved behaviour and social skills. Improved attendance and reduction in exclusion and more time spent in school.

On families - more positive attitude towards school and school staff. Improved support and communication between school and home. Greater involvement and understanding of their child's education through meetings, visits and contact with staff. Greater access to a range of professional support. More positive about their children due to new levels of success.

On school standards - improved attendance. Reduction in exclusions. Improvement in behaviour around the school. Greater support for teaching staff which impacts on school ‘climate'. Pupils have access to a range of additional qualifications.

Impact on other areas - improved information on pupils needs and their progress. More effective involvement of outside agencies. Greater confidence and knowledge of staff in dealing with difficult behaviour.

Learning Support Units are not - long-term respite care, a ‘sin bin' or dumping ground, a facility for challenging pupils who should be in a specialised environment, an isolated ‘bolt-on' provision, a quick route to exclusion.

What our students have to say:

‘It makes me feel important because I was chosen'

‘Feel happier at school because I got help when I needed it'

‘I have never done as much work as I have in the LSU'

‘I feel important because people listen to my views'

‘I can do all the work and get good comments and certificates'

‘The staff are nice sometimes!'