TWO Bolton education experts are helping pupils from across Lancashire at risk of exclusion from school remain in the classroom.

Gill Bullock and Danny Maher are directors of education management company Aspire North West which has just launched a new venture.

The Aspire Hub involves both parents and schools in its work to change behaviours and is the latest innovation in the battle to keep children in mainstream education.

As Gill Bullock explained: “Thanks to our work already with schools in the Bolton and Bury area, we realised that a nurture provision with an intense parenting angle was the way forward to supporting schools with managing significant behaviour difficulties.”

Aspire works with children who have been identified by the school or Local Authority as needing alternative provision.

“We unpick children’s behaviour in a safe, nurturing environment that will support them, their parents and the school,” stated Gill Bullock.

“We use therapy and assessment along with intense parenting to provide a bespoke package that has a positive impact on children’s mental health and social skills.”

The Aspire Hub, situated in the centre of Burnley, is designed for a maximum of 20 children attending full-time and reviewed on a six-week timetable.

The Hub consists of two classrooms defined into formal work areas, play areas and quiet areas with their own kitchens and dining areas.

Added Gill Bullock: “The provision of food is paramount and provides an opportunity for practising important social skills - conversation, manners, turn-taking and sharing - as well as learning.”

Children also help prepare lunches and assist with cleaning and tidying the kitchen and dining areas.

Admission is agreed between the school, parents and, in some cases, the Local Authority. Children remain on their school roll while attending The Aspire Hub and the children’s parents, carers and schools take an active role in individual plans to manage children’s behaviour and mental health needs.

The organisation works with schools, educational settings and families to improve attendance and behaviour in children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Hub’s work is designed to help children start re-integration back into mainstream school life.

Caption: TOP CLASS – The Aspire team including directors Gill Bullock, extreme right front row, Louise Moczulski, extreme left front row, and Danny Maher, second left front row