Published in 1983. One response to the recent concern about pupil discipline in schools has been the creation of support centres: off-site special units to which disruptive pupils are sent for varying periods of time for education and supervision. The Inner London Education Authority had a substantial network of such centres. Yet the concept of these units has aroused some criticism: they have been labelled as ’sin-bins’ and as dumping grounds for adolescents.

This book is based on major research conducted by the ILEA over a number of years and provides the only substantial evaluation of support centres. Data are presented on pupil characteristics and attainment, on how the centres operate and on the views of the staff in centres and in referring schools.

It concludes with an evaluation of support centres, highlighting a range of innovative approaches to the management of disruptive behaviour. The authors warn of the dangers of developing a separate system for disruptive pupils, but conclude that some form of alternative provision is needed for the foreseeable future.

Peter Mortimore, Jean Davies, Andreas Varlaam, Anne West