EAST AYRSHIRE says its youth strategy has made major strides in supporting pupils with social and behavioural problems.
The number of young people placed in day care or residential settings by the education department has fallen from 30 to eight, while social work placements have decreased from 23 to 15.
The authority has established school assessment teams in secondary schools and community assessment teams to support problem children. There are also specialist units at Hillhead primary in Kilmarnock, Kilmarnock Academy and Auchinleck Academy where pupils follow individually tailored curricula.
School phobics are given special tuition outwith school.