At Bristol Brunel Academy they have developed an innovative approach to working with the most challenging secondary students in the form of The Personalised Learning Centre.
Headed by dynamic support worker, Di Massey, she creates a safe place where students receive rewards and discipline for their behaviour, in order to avoid exclusions and keep students within the mainstream system.
Di talks about the inspiration behind her firm but fair approach to students , in which she brings her own experience of a difficult childhood to bear on her work.
She believes the challenge is to both give the students an outlet from the mainstream class: a safe haven to come to if they face bullying in class, or a place to be isolated if necessary, but also ensure learning still comes foremost.
The video takes the example of a pupil who has to formally apologise to a teacher and shows how Di Massey takes on a critical friend role.
