How Gaia Bloom Can Strengthen In-School Support Units (ISUs)

At Gaia Learning, we know that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and seen at school. For many neurodivergent learners, particularly those navigating ADHD, autism, SEMH or trauma, the traditional classroom can be a difficult place to thrive. That’s why In-School Support Units (ISUs) are such an important piece of the puzzle.

A recent DfE report highlighted the incredible work that ISUs do to reduce exclusions and provide early intervention and bespoke support for pupils with additional needs. But it also acknowledged that these units are stretched. That’s where Gaia Bloom comes in.

Gaia Bloom is our inclusive digital learning hub, designed to bring together curriculum, wellbeing, training, virtual classrooms and smart data tracking in one flexible platform. It’s tailor-made to support learners who need something a little different – and here’s how it can supercharge ISUs.

1. Wraparound academic and emotional support: ISUs are at their best when they can respond quickly to a young person’s needs, whether academic or emotional. Gaia Bloom enables flexible delivery of live or asynchronous lessons, wellbeing check-ins, and interest-led learning, helping young people engage without pressure.

2. Reintegration, not isolation: Gaia Bloom helps learners stay connected to their wider school community, even when they’re learning in the ISU or from home. With built-in tracking and personalised learning journeys, staff can plan transitions back into the classroom with confidence.

3. Real-time insight with Gaialytics: With Gaialytics, staff can track learner mood, engagement, attendance, EHCP targets and progress in one place. This helps build a fuller picture of what success looks like – not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

4. Support for staff: We know that the success of an ISU depends on the adults in the room. Gaia Bloom includes access to the Gaia Academy, where staff can up-skill in trauma-informed practice, ADHD strategies, PDA support and more. We make it easy to equip the team with what they need, when they need it.

5. Early intervention that works: Whether a learner is having a tough day or struggling longer-term, Gaia Bloom allows schools to respond in the moment. A pupil might not manage the classroom today, but they can still connect with a trusted adult and access tailored learning online – keeping the spark of engagement alive.

Backed by Research, Built for Impact

ISUs are already doing amazing work. Gaia Bloom is here to make it even more impactful.

The 2025 Department for Education report highlighted the key ingredients for effective ISUs:
✔️ Holistic emotional and academic support
✔️ Strong reintegration pathways
✔️ Early intervention
✔️ Skilled, supported staff

Gaia Bloom brings all of this together in one flexible, trauma-informed platform.

If you’re leading inclusion, SEND or pastoral support in your school, we’d love to show you what’s possible. Book a call with us to learn more.

Inspiring, inclusive education. Always.

Want to explore the evidence yourself?
Read the full DfE report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679b654615f01fdf8e05e7b5/Explorative_research_into_In-school_Support_Units.pdf