Can PRUs work? A search for an answer from within a lived experience

Abstract

This study draws on theories of punishment (Cavadino and Dignan 2007), leadership (West-Burnham 2013), social rules, (Burns and Machado (2014) and resilience (Fredrikson and Branigan 2005) to develop an understanding of Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). PRUs came into being through statute in 1993. They were set up to provide formal educational settings for young people who had been excluded from school. LEAs have responsibility for the education and welfare of all children in their catchment areas, irrespective of which school they attend. If an exclusion occurs, the LEA is obliged to assume responsibility, under section 19(1) of the 1996 Education Act, for the child’s education by whatever means seems appropriate to its designated officers. Placement in a Pupil Referral Unit is a course of action they may pursue. This study sets out to discover through a series of narrative interviews conducted within a Key Stage 4 PRU, whether the multiple purposes of the PRU can be achieved, given the issues that present themselves in the isolated setting of the Unit, the resources available and the complex needs of the young people concerned. Fifteen interviews were conducted within a PRU in the academic year 2011-2012. Four were held with the Head; 11 further interviews involved 12 people; 8 members of staff and 4 pupils. A study of the evidence they provided led to a qualified positive response to the research question; i.e. that PRUs can’ work’ given a number of factors that are listed in the conclusion.