ABSTRACT
'Support Centres' is one of the terms used to describe the special provision - catering largely for pupils with behaviour problems - that has developed outside both ordinary and special schools. Centres have developed in a variety of different ways. Some are merely extensions of the ordinary school and are on-site, staffed by regular teachers, and in which pupils mix with their peers at break and lunchtime or attend on a part-time basis. A number of research studies of support centres have been mounted, though in general, these tend to be small-scale and descriptive rather than evaluative. Centres were also found to vary in their philosophical approach. Some had an emphasis on remedial work and sought to enhance basic skills, others aimed at social adjustment and cultural enrichment for their pupils. In brief, the aims of the different centres varied, depending on whether staff saw the major purpose to be rehabilitation or containment.
