Issue - meetings

Stuart Collins, Director for Integrated Childrens Services and Simon Smith, PIAS Manager were in attendance for this item.

1) Mr Collins and Mr Smith outlined the report.

2) Further to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

• The wait time for a pupil identified as eligible for the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) was normally between a week and ten days.
• Schools that did not have a PRU in their area often had onsite arrangements available for pupils. 
• Pupils were not returned to a mainstream school setting until they were ready.  Children and families were supported through early help, social care, and interventions to help prepare them for their return to school.
• There were very few pupils with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the PRUs. 
• Looking forward, there was a need for increased support for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) students in mainstream school settings.
• Since the pandemic there has been a change in behaviours that has led to a rise in suspensions and permanent exclusions.  KCC would meet with SEMH and PRU Head Teachers to assess what could be done to further support pupils.

3) RESOLVED to note the report.