Outstanding pupil unit hailed

A UNIT which transforms the lives of some of the borough’s most vulnerable pupils — from excluded youngsters to teenage mums — is among the country’s elite.

Oldham’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) is believed to be one of the first in the country to sweep the board with top grades of outstanding its a recent inspection.

And the education watchdog Ofsted said that its GCSE results are exceptionally high for a PRU and rising annually, attendance is good overall and pupils have strong links with the local community.

The unit is based at two sites in Oldham, with vocational and personal development activities held elsewhere.

Pupils who have been excluded from school, are at risk of exclusion or have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties attend its pupil support centre in Broadbent Road, Watersheddings.

Many have a long histories of behavioural difficulties but Ofsted said they make make excellent progress, with the vast majority moving onto mainstream schools, further education and work.

The inspectors also found that vulnerable pupils such as pregnant girls, young mums and pupils with mental-health problems also make enormous strides and become confident young people at its Specialist Learning Centre in Dean Street.

They said: “This is an outstanding PRU which meets the needs of all the pupils exceptionally well.

“This is because each pupil is offered a highly individualised programme which is tailored to address their particular needs. As a consequence, the curriculum is exemplary. Staff are expert at working with vulnerable and disaffected young people.

“Pupils are exceptionally positive about the way the PRU transforms their lives.”

A high number of the PRU’s pupils are young offenders. It also supports traveller pupils and those too ill to attend school, and advises parents who educate their children at home.

Ofsted highlighted its outstanding teaching and also rated pupils’ achievements as outstanding given their low starting points.

Overall it was judged to be outstanding in all the main inspection areas: effectiveness, achievements and standards, personal development and well-being, teaching and learning, curriculum, pastoral support and academic guidance, and leadership and management.

Head teacher Nikki Shaw, who helps other PRUs as a National Leader of Education, was praised for her outstanding vision.

She said: “We are delighted that Ofsted recognised the high standard of provision at the PRU and the fantastic achievements of our children. We are very proud to have gained outstanding in every category.”

Pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties will move into a new £4.7 million school in Chadderton in 2013 under Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future programme.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children young people and families, described the report as fantastic news.

She added: “It just shows how much hard work has gone on. We are obviously elated as an authority.

“Not only is it an outstanding service, it is an outstanding service in all areas. It is certainly up there amongst the very best in the country.”