Support to keep Wales learning |
Engagement work: Maintained special school and pupil referral unit (PRU) update summer term 2021
Provider(s)
This report summarises the findings from 39 engagement calls and a very few visits made to maintained special schools and PRUs between the beginning of February 2021 and the end of May 2021. Throughout this period, leaders confirm that their schools and PRUs have remained open, including through the most recent lockdown, to provide education for vulnerable learners and the children of critical workers, in line with relevant Welsh Government guidance.
As we noted in our previous report, there was significant variability across Wales regarding the proportion of pupils identified as eligible to attend the school or PRU for on-site provision. Due to the restrictions placed on capacity by health and safety guidelines, maintained special schools in particular were unable to respond fully to parental requests for education on the school site. In addition, local authorities interpreted Welsh Government guidance that these settings should remain open to support vulnerable learners differently across Wales. All schools and PRUs transitioned back to a full on-site provision offer by the start of the summer term.
The report is based on the information discussed with headteachers and senior leaders during engagement calls or visits. The main focus for discussion was how schools and PRUs continue to support and promote the wellbeing and learning of their pupils.
Proportions relate to the sample of 39 schools and PRUs with which we have had contact during this period.
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