Learning Support Units
Learning Support Units (LSUs) are a key element in the Government's
strategy to promote inclusion by improving behaviour and attendance.
LSUs are school-based centres for pupils who are disaffected, at risk of exclusion or vulnerable because of family or social issues. They provide short-term teaching and support programmes tailored to the needs of pupils who need help in improving their behaviour, attendance or attitude to learning. The aim is to keep pupils in school and working while their problems are addressed, and to help to reintegrate them back into mainstream classes as quickly as possible.
Good LSUs have a positive impact on attainment and attitudes towards learning. Ofsted say that pupils with emotional and social difficulties can often respond well to specific, well-targeted and well-managed support.
When LSUs provide a curriculum and tuition which meets individual needs, combined with close attention to preventing and controlling outbursts, they make an effective contribution to ensuring that pupils succeed in mainstream lessons. Pupils who spend time in LSUs often feel better understood and supported, and as a result become less anxious, less volatile and less prone to being riled by others.
To assist schools or local authorities who are interested in finding out more about LSUs, the Department has drawn up Guidance on Establishing and Managing an LSU, and a Self-evaluation Framework and Audit Tool for LSU managers.
There are about 1,500 LSUs in England - mainly, but not wholly, in Excellence in Cities areas. Around 120 of these are primary LSUs. Read the good practice case studies to find out more.
For further information or advice on LSUs, hard copies of the guidance and self-evaluation framework, or if you would like to let us know about your school's own LSU, contact us by email.
Last updated: 23 July 2008
