Action Plan Created After Inspection Finds ‘Shortcomings’ in Pupil Referral Unit in Wrexham

An ‘action plan’ for a pupil referral service in Wrexham is being created after an inspection identified shortcomings in the current level of performance of the facility.

Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, found that the current performance of Wrexham Pupil Referral Services / Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) was adequate – however the prospects of improvement were unsatisfactory.

The PRU, which is operated by Wrexham Council, provides education for pupils at key stages 3 and 4 who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The aim of the PRU is to ‘return pupils to mainstream education, or support them into further education, training or employment.’

In a report published after the inspection, Estyn notes that the standards, wellbeing, learning experiences, teaching; care, support and guidance, leadership and resource management are listed were found to be adequate.

Improving quality at the PRU was found to be unsatisfactory.

The inspection also highlighted positives at the facility, noting that the learning environment and partnership working were good.

Six recommendations have been put forward by Estyn, including: improving pupils’ attendance, addressing the shortcomings in safeguarding identified during the inspection and improving pupil behaviour and ensuring that all staff manage pupil behaviour effectively.

Following the inspection Wrexham Council have stated that they ‘accept the findings’ by Estyn and that an action plan to improve on the feedback from the Inspectorate was being developed.

A council spokesperson said: “We accept the findings of the Estyn report and will be working with the Management Committee and staff to produce and implement a Post Inspection Action Plan to address the recommendations.

“We are pleased to note the inspectors’ praise for the progress made by the Headteacher and his Senior Leadership Team in recent months and we look forward to continued improvements as the new arrangements become embedded.

“Estyn will carry out a follow-up visit to the PRU in approximately 12 months’ time in order to assess the progress in implementing their recommendations.”

Cllr Michael Williams, Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services added: “We are committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities for all children and young people in Wrexham.

“Whilst there is still further work to be done, I am pleased that Estyn have acknowledged the progress that has been made to date, including the fact that nearly all of the learners at the PRU achieve a range of qualifications, including at GCSE level.

“Inspectors also praised the quality of partnerships between the PRU service and our local secondary schools, our special school and Coleg Cambria which has resulted in many learners returning to mainstream schools and a very high percentage of them continuing in full time education.”