To report the outcomes and recommendations of the PRU referrals task and finish group to the children and young people scrutiny committee. The committee will consider and approve the outcomes from the task and finish group and decide if the recommendations should be reported to cabinet.

The PRU referrals task and finish group report was introduced by the chairperson of the group, Councillor MT McEvilly. The group had looked at the number of referrals to the PRU and determined that there was a high level of referrals. The reasons for this high level were considered and were outlined in the report. A series of recommendations relating to possible measures to reduce the level of referrals and other issues concerning alternative provision had been proposed and were contained in the report. 

The following points were raised by the committee in the discussion:

·         There was concern over the level of attainment at the PRU outlined in the report which fell below the benchmark.

·         The level of permanent exclusions was a concern. It was noted that schools were less likely to offer second chances than had previously been the case and children were referred to the PRU. The HLD explained that it was more difficult to find alternative places for students permanently excluded from the secondary phase particularly in years 10 and 11. The DCF highlighted that the management of the PRU had recently passed back to the Council and the head of additional needs was looking at methods of renewing and strengthening arrangements in alternative provision.

·         The importance of vocational courses for children and the perception of pupils who had attended the PRU of the stigma attached to the facility was also raised.

RESOLVED: That the report and recommendations are approved for submission to the executive.