Nov 11, 2020, Beccles and Bungay Journal: ‘Life-changing’ improvements agreed to alternative education in Suffolk https://www.becclesandbungayjournal.co.uk/news/suffolk-pru-overhaul-1-6924685
East England A dedicated cross-party task force launched last year has been studying the county’s PRUs (pupil referral units) and what provision is in place for pupils that cannot attend mainstream schools, such as those who have been excluded or those with additional education needs. The study found the system was fragmented and there was a lack of consistency across the county for those youngsters, with a report published for Tuesday’s Suffolk County Council cabinet meeting recommending a tightened structure…. One problem found was children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) ending up in PRUs because of a lack of suitable places, however the council’s £45million [$59M U.S.] programme to create new SEND places is addressing that. … Councillor Jack Abbott, the opposition labour group’s education spokesman and taskforce member welcomed the action. He said: “This new policy, along with the delivery of 800 new specialist school places, is one of the most significant pieces of work to come from Suffolk County Council over the past few years. “We are already seeing hundreds of new places being delivered and I am confident that these new initiatives will be quickly implemented too. “I was pleased to help develop both proposals and it shows the value of cross-party working with real input from families and educators….
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