Children in PRUs left behind in school reforms, head teachers warn

Tracey Healy, president of the National Organisation of PRUs, said head teachers in several PRUs have raised concerns about local authorities’ failure to support them as councils grapple with changes to schools funding and rapid conversions to academy status.

The Department for Education has contacted the local authorities in question to remind them of their duties.

Healy said changes to all schools’ funding, including PRUs which can convert to become "alternative provision academies", had led some local authorities to fall behind schedule.

“Sometimes it's because people haven’t fully understood what the implications are or the timeframe that’s required,” said Healy.

“Some local authorities have focused on mainstream schools first, special schools second and PRUs last.”

But she warned that in the transition period, children’s educational needs could suffer.

“PRUs as they exist will not look like they do now in two or three years' time,” said Healy. “Our concern is that vulnerable learners don’t miss out in the period of change.”