Bishopton PRU is a complex Pupil Referral Unit offering educational provision to KS3 and KS4 pupils who are at risk of exclusion, permanent exclusion from school or those not attending mainstream school for other reasons such as illness (physical and/or psychological). The centre also brokers alternative vocational provision for pupils who remain solely on the role of mainstream schools.
The school has recently merged onto one site, but still offers the same provisions:
Bishopton PRU provides provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils not attending mainstream schools and those accessing alternative education provision.
The aim for those pupils based at Bishopton is to return to their mainstream school after a 12 week period. If this is not appropriate, further educational advice is sought with a view to either extending the placement, accessing alternative provision or statutory assessment.
‘A noticeable strength is the strong relationships developed between staff and pupils and the expert way staff manage the complex needs and behaviours of pupils. Staff use their skills and strategies to help pupils get ready for learning as soon as they enter class. Any pupil starting to have a difficult time is identified immediately, then quickly supported to help them get back to their work. Consequently, lessons are calm and purposeful, and pupils respond willingly to the high expectations which adults have of them.
The high expectations which teachers have of pupils’ application to learning are evident in pupils’ books. They show that pupils are productive in their lessons and are taking more care in their spelling and punctuation. Teachers provide detailed feedback on how well pupils are doing and what their next step needs to be. Nevertheless, there are sometimes not enough opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning through practise of skills to deepen their understanding.’
