Agenda item

The following Wandsworth alternative provision leads will present:

•  Eileen Shannon, Head Teacher, Victoria Drive PRU

•  Carol Self, Nurture Provision lead, Wandsworth Council.

A presentation is enclosed.

The following Wandsworth alternative provision leads gave a presentation:

•  Eileen Shannon, Head Teacher, Victoria Drive PRU

•  Carol Self, Nurture Provision lead, Wandsworth Council.

The chair then invited questions and comments: 

·  A member commented that it was very helpful to hear about the work with parents and families, and then asked if there were any challenges? The presenters said  there can be stigma attached to a PRU  and its not uncommon to hear initial  comments such as ‘ hell can frieze over before my child attends’ . The PRU give parents a choice; which really changes the dynamic. Parents often feel judged. The work with parents focuses on stress busting and being very honest and open about problems. The explicit emphasis is being there for the child – and as such the PRU are prepared to challenge both school and family.

·  How do the pupils cope with transition to secondary school? At year 6 they work with Francis Barber PRU. Wandsworth primary PRU  have done a tracking exercise and this shows that between years  6 -10 these children have not resurfaced as excluded children later in their secondary education .This does rely on having good ECHP plan in place in many cases as the children and young people remain vulnerable.

·  How many children are excluded? Wandsworth have not had any permanent exclusions at primary level, this year or last year. The primary PRU can increase attendance at the PRU to up to 50 %. They also go into home schools, setting up other activities. The provision is very flexible and able to hold children during episodes.

·  Members asked about the statement that the PRU tell the families that they  will walk away if do not get the green light from families ; however what if the parents are  very vulnerable? The PRU lead said the reality is if families do not give permission it will not work. They explained that the provision has a systemic family worker who is very good at engaging families. Many parents have had lots of negative experiences, including often attending a PRU when they were younger. When they  give parents a choice they do not walk away. For families who are working with social workers they will also work to persuade them. They also work with extended family as that can be persuasive .They explained to members that they do work with parents with significant mental health problems, in a collaborative way.

·  A member said in their educational experience the news that a child has to attend a PRU is awful for the student and their parents; how does this stigma get overcome?  The PRU lead said obviously people often feel rejected. Often children can feel fear and stress - so they act out (and get a reward of missing education).  In the sessions they have with us the children have a different experience, and because of that they are able to unlock learning.

·  Why do PRU often fail? Wandsworth said that they funded by the high needs funding, that is top sliced. This means that the Wandsworth provision is needs led, rather than placement funding led. There is no incentive to keep the pupils at the PRU and as such often a short term intervention is effective. The model of the children remaining very much part of their home school helps with the socialisation and friendship. The PRU also manages to achieve 96% attendance, which is important, and to secure that the provision has a service to pick them up from home to take them to school, which really helps.

·  What are the common underlying issues that lead to children being at risk of exclusion? They explained that these can vary; undiagnosed mental health (ADH etc.) is fairly common and they work well with St George’s Hospital and take us seriously. At lot of disruptive behaviour is the result of the impact of domestic violence - trauma stunts development. Other issues are marriage breakup and neglect.

The chair and commission members thanked Eileen Shannon, Head Teacher, Victoria Drive PRU, and  Carol Self, Nurture Provision lead, Wandsworth Council for the their valuable contribution.