Purpose

To seek agreement to consult on proposals that
supports the council to deliver its statutory duty to arrange
education for children from day 6 following a permanent
exclusion.

Decision

The Executive Member for education, learning
and skills has approved a consultation regarding the proposed
commissioning of alternative provision for primary aged children
permanently excluded from school and associated school organisation
changes i.e. extending the age range of maintained Pupil Referral
Units

Reasons for the decision

The recommendation to consult on the
implementation of a new primary provision model is based upon the
rising demand across the county, the need for the council to have a
long-term sustainable arrangement in place for primary aged
children excluded from school.

The consultation will allow a period for all stakeholders to
consider the proposal and provide feedback for the council’s
consideration. Following consultation, the feedback may be used to
adjust the proposal prior to moving forwards so that the council is
able to better meet its statutory duties.

Alternative options considered

Option 2 - Formalise and extend the
“nurture” based model in primary schools

Option 3 - Arrange bespoke education provision for excluded
children