Pupils feel stigma in ‘special’ behaviour classes

Informal special classes that regulate student behaviour in second-level schools can lead to greater stigma, researchers have found.

A study of the special classes at 12 schools that run 800 classes, 150 of which have only been in place since last year, has found varying experiences for staff and students around the country.

The study was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).