It is part of the authority's plan to cater for a 25% increase in the number of pupils with learning difficulties in the last three years.

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The authors, Dr Ingrid Lunt and Professor Brahm Norwich, say that when this happens, pupils who have learning difficulties, certain physical disabilities, or other special needs, are sidelined, and may not receive the support they need.

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The school caters for more than 100 pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties, ranging in age from three to 19.

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It taught pupils with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged between seven and 19 years old.

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As examples of innovation, she cites the "learning mentors" project, in which pupils are given indvidual mentors to help with problems which might be disrupting their learning, such as bullying, truancy or difficulties at home.

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