The Inclusion Unit at St. Bonaventure’s School provides planned support for a range of student needs, including anger management and self-esteem building. Inclusion intervention is not intended to be a long-term initiative or offer a short-term veneer. It seeks to timely restore confidence, motivation, self-discipline and self-worth through personalised learning, so that students will be better equipped to thrive at school. Programmes devised will either require a student to be withdrawn from a single lesson per week for an agreed period of time, or to receive in-class support, with an opportunity for feedback and discussion.

The Inclusion Unit works in collaboration with Heads of Year, Special Educational Needs Department, Form Tutors and External Agencies, when appropriate, in identifying and supporting students who require emotional, social and behavioural input. It is the focal point for individual support programmes and progress is reviewed and monitored regularly. A student is referred to the Unit through his Head of Year, once a particular concern has been identified. An initial student interview is then immediately arranged, which provides an opportunity to discuss any issues or difficulties. There is a short time lapse before intervention work commences. This is to ensure that contact is made with parents and information is collated which will give a broad picture of the student’s successes and area(s) to be developed. It will also ensure the planning of an appropriate programme that will take into account the specific needs of the student. Support is available in the form of small group work or on a one-to-one basis, at the discretion of the Inclusion Unit Manager. Parents are kept informed through telephone contact, in-school meetings and periodic reports.

Provisions within the Inclusion Unit enhance the aims of the school, in preparing and nurturing young people to adapt to an ever-changing and increasingly challenging society. Its ultimate objective is to provide the best possible social education and care to satisfy the range of student needs.