Thematic report |
Education other than at school: a good practice survey - June 2015
This thematic report is published in response to a request for advice from the Welsh Government in the Ministerial remit letter to Estyn for 2014-2015. The aims of the report are to: identify examples of good practice in early intervention strategies from primary and secondary schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), and local authorities, which seek to reduce the number of pupils going into EOTAS; and identify examples of good practice in EOTAS provision in relation to curricula that meet the needs of all pupils, effective behaviour management strategies/approaches for minimising time spent in EOTAS, and effective reintegration strategies.
Recommendations
Local authorities, schools and PRUs should:
- have a locally agreed strategy to support all vulnerable pupils so that they remain in full-time education
- identify pupils who are at risk of disengagement early and put in place appropriate, timely interventions
- work together to increase the range of learning options and experiences available to EOTAS pupils
Local authorities should:
- ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the role of PRUs and other forms of EOTAS within a continuum of provision, and that these provisions have clear entry and exit criteria
- appoint PRU staff who have appropriate experience and expertise in leadership, teaching and learning as well as behaviour management
- ensure that all PRU staff have access to the same training and development opportunities as staff in mainstream schools
- work with regional consortia to provide robust support and challenge for PRU managers and management committees
The Welsh Government should:
- provide framework guidance on the role of PRUs as part of a continuum of provision
- consider introducing a national professional qualification for teachers-in-charge of PRUs
- ensure that PRU staff benefit from national strategies to improve the quality of teaching and leadership in education