Pupil Referral Units: What You Should Know

Understanding the world of special education can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find the best support for your child. If you’ve come across terms like “pupil referral units,” “PRU,” or “alternative provision,” you might be wondering what they all mean and how they can help your child. 

Fear not—we’re here to guide you through this journey with compassion and support. Remember, exploring these options doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it just means you’re taking a step toward a more suitable educational path for your child’s unique needs.

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about PRUs to support your child’s journey through alternative provision effectively.

What is a Pupil Referral Unit?

What is PRU? A pupil referral unit (PRU), often referred to simply as a PRU school, is an alternative education provision specifically designed for students who find it challenging to thrive in a conventional mainstream school setting. 

The reasons for referral to a PRU can vary widely, encompassing behavioural issues, medical conditions, and specific learning difficulties. PRUs are established to offer a more suitable and supportive educational environment for these students, ensuring they continue to receive quality education tailored to their unique needs.

Reasons for Referral to a PRU

Students might be referred to a pupil referral unit for a variety of reasons. Some of the common factors include:

Behavioural Issues 

Children who exhibit persistent disruptive behaviour or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools might be placed in a PRU to receive more focused support and intervention.

Medical Conditions

Students with long-term illnesses or health conditions that make regular attendance at a mainstream school challenging may benefit from the specialised support offered in pupil referral units.

Learning Difficulties

Children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD, which are not adequately addressed in a mainstream setting, might find a PRU more conducive to their learning needs.

Social and Emotional Needs

Students facing emotional and social challenges, such as anxiety or depression, may be referred to pupil referral units to receive targeted support in a nurturing environment.

The Role of Pupil Referral Units in a Child’s Education

The primary objective of a pupil referral unit is not just to manage challenging behaviour but to look deeper into the root causes of a child’s difficulties. By providing a structured yet flexible learning environment, PRUs aim to:

• Address Individual Needs: Tailored educational plans are developed to cater to the specific needs of each student, ensuring they receive the appropriate support to overcome their challenges, whether it’s homework resistance, physical disabilities, etc.
• Foster Personal Growth: PRUs focus on holistic development, helping students build self-esteem, confidence, and social skills alongside academic progress.
• Reintegrate into Mainstream Education: Whenever possible, the goal is to support students in overcoming their barriers to learning so they can successfully return to a mainstream school setting.
• Prepare for Future Pathways: For older students, PRUs provide guidance and support in transitioning to further education, training, or employment, equipping them with the skills and qualifications needed for their next steps.

A pupil referral unit is a vital alternative provision within the education system, offering a lifeline to students who face barriers to learning in mainstream schools. By understanding what a PRU is and its role in supporting diverse educational needs, parents and educators can better advocate for and support children who may benefit from this specialised form of education.

What Is a PRU School?

A PRU school, or pupil referral unit, is a government-funded educational establishment that provides a supportive and adaptive learning environment for children who may face difficulties in a conventional mainstream school. These schools are designed to cater to students from the reception age up to the school-leaving age of 16, offering a curriculum that is specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each pupil.

The primary focus of a PRU school is to create a personalised learning experience that accommodates the unique requirements, abilities, and learning styles of each student. This individualised approach ensures that children receive the necessary support and attention to progress academically and develop personally.

The teaching staff at pupil referral units are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in working with children who have special educational needs (SEN). They are equipped with the expertise to implement specialised interventions and strategies to help students overcome learning obstacles.

For families seeking a “pupil referral unit near me,” it is recommended to contact the local education authority or use online directories to locate PRUs in the area. These government-funded units play a crucial role in providing inclusive education, ensuring that every child has access to a learning environment that is suited to their specific circumstances.

An alternative option worth exploring would be home-schooling your child, although a pupil referral unit might be a better option to try first, depending on your situation. 

Difference Between Alternative Provision and Pupil Referral Unit

Alternate provision, also known as alternative provision education, encompasses a variety of educational settings that deviate from traditional mainstream schools. This broad category includes pupil referral units (PRUs), home education, online learning, and specialised schools tailored to students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). 

The primary objective of alternate provision is to address the diverse needs of students who may struggle to flourish in a conventional school environment due to an array of challenges. Pupil referral units, a specific type of alternate provision, are particularly designed for students who have been excluded from mainstream schools or are at risk of exclusion due to various factors, such as behavioural issues or learning difficulties.

Worst Things to Do in a PRU School

While pupil referral units (PRUs) are designed to provide a supportive environment for students facing challenges, there are certain actions that can hinder a child’s progress within these settings. Some of the worst things to do in a PRU school include:

1. Not Engaging with Support: Failing to take advantage of the support offered can limit a student’s ability to overcome obstacles and succeed academically and personally.
2. Refusing to Participate in Tailored Programmes: PRUs often create individualised programmes to cater to each student’s needs. Refusing to participate can impede progress and reintegration into mainstream education.
3. Poor Communication: Not communicating effectively with teachers and staff can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for additional support or interventions.

What Happens After a PRU Unit?

The ultimate goal of a PRU unit is to equip students with the skills and confidence needed for a successful transition back into mainstream education or onto other suitable pathways. This could include further education, apprenticeships, or employment. While success rates vary, with the right support and engagement, many students are able to reintegrate into mainstream schools or pursue positive post-PRU opportunities, setting them on a path to a brighter future.

Supporting SEN Children in Pupil Referral Units

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) may find that education in pupil referral units (PRUs) provides the tailored support they require. Pupil referral units can offer smaller class sizes, specialised teaching methods, and access to therapeutic services. 

All of those are designed to meet the unique needs of SEN children. This focused approach can help these students make progress in areas where they may have struggled in mainstream settings, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

It could be exceptionally beneficial for you to check in with local authorities and inquire about the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An EHCP is a legal document that outlines the specific support and resources a child with SEN requires to meet their educational, health, and social care needs. This plan can include provisions for funding to support the child’s education in a school or other educational setting, such as a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or Education Other Than at School.

Supporting Your Child While They’re in a PRU

By implementing these strategies, parents can play an active role in ensuring that their child receives the support and resources necessary to thrive in a PRU setting:

• Stay Engaged: Actively participate in your child’s education by staying informed about their progress and any challenges they may face.
• Open Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with the school, teachers, and support staff to ensure that your child’s needs are being met.
• Provide Stability: Create a stable and supportive home environment that encourages learning and personal growth.
• Seek External Support: Consider seeking external support from services like SEN Tutors, which offer specialised tutoring for children with SEN, including those in PRUs. These tutors can provide additional help in areas such as ADHD support, autism support, and specific learning difficulties, complementing the support provided by the PRU.

We Are Here to Make This Journey Easier for You & Your Child

If your child is in a pupil referral unit or on alternative provision, it’s a sign that you’re taking proactive steps to address their unique educational needs. It does not reflect on your parenting or your child’s abilities. 

At SEN Tutors, we understand the challenges you and your child may face, and we’re here to offer the support you need. Contact us today at 0800 368 6855 to explore the best tutor options for your child’s journey through alternative provision or PRU education. Your child is unique, and together, we can find the right path to help them thrive.