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IMPROVING BEHAVIOUR THROUGH THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Edited by Saul Becker, Excellence in Cities Nottingham,

ISBN 0907274412, £15

Star Rating: 4/5

This is a fascinating piece of research conducted within Learning Support Units (LSUs) in Nottingham, between September 2002 and April 2004, writes Ian Wheeler.

The first part of the book assesses the therapeutic approaches project in Nottingham, and the second part reviews other approaches.

The problem with the first section is that because the project is so recent, it is unable to offer any hard evidence as to whether the approaches used within the Nottingham LSUs have any long-term benefits for the pupils involved. However, the anecdotal evidence does offer some thought-provoking comments.

The second section contains excellent information, coupled with research evidence, on 31 different therapeutic approaches, which are currently used with pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The information is balanced and objective and offers practitioners useful insight into what approaches are available.

The book is well presented and put together, and I'm sure will become an invaluable resource for staff working in this area.

Ian Wheeler is training manager for Blackpool Council's education and children's services.