At Higham Lane School, our Reintegration Unit provides targeted support to help students transition back into full-time learning after periods of absence or difficulty. We work closely with students to build confidence, address individual needs, and ensure a smooth reintegration into the classroom environment. Our goal is to provide the necessary support and encouragement so that every student can thrive academically and socially.

Students who present with ‘Emotional Based School Avoidance’ (EBSA) or anxiety around attending school, can be referred by Progress Leaders to the Reintegration Unit. EBSA is a non-diagnostic term which describes attendance difficulties experienced by a young person as a direct cause of stressors and challenges impacting how the young person feels about school and their perceived ability to cope; meaning this begins to far outweigh the positives that school can offer. EBSA can sometimes present as a young person’s attempt to cope with these challenges.

The Reintegration Unit (RIU) is a nurturing and welcoming environment which aims to provide a smaller and quieter learning space for students to continue to access education. Access to the Reintegration Unit is a six-week intervention where students are supported on a journey, with a view to eventually reintegrate back to access the full school setting and opportunities. This is a holistic approach that is achieved through a student focused support plan with targeted Social, Emotional and/or Mental Health support, alongside curriculum support. The support is flexible and reviewed regularly to ensure students are making progress and continue to experience a good sense of achievement.

Following the six-week period, the majority of students will be reintegrated back to full school provision, but we do also recognise that a small number of students may require the provision for longer. Continuation of the provision will depend on the needs of the student at the time. 

The Reintegration Unit will continue to provide pastoral support once students have re-integrated back into school life for at least one-half term afterwards.  The package of support is based on the holistic needs of the individual student and may differ from student to student.

We recognise that the best learning environment for our students to receive Quality First Teaching is in their classrooms with their specialist subject teachers and their peers, but we also recognise that a student needs to feel comfortable within their learning environment to access the education: Our focus is on building supportive and secure networks for our students to access, whilst also offering the support to develop the necessary skills and confidence to return to full school provision. Students will have access (as far as practically possible) to the same content of work of that which is set within their classrooms. Progress is reviewed and monitored by the allocated subject teacher for the student.

The Reintegration Unit works collaboratively with the student, parents/carers, school staff and external agencies in order to help each student reach their full potential.  Input and support from all stake holders are vital to a successful re-integration process.