Agenda item

The Committee considered a report detailing a proposal to reconfigure and remodel Behaviour Support Services at Ysgol Rhydygors in order to improve provision for children and young people.

Following a strategic review of the Authority’s Behaviour Services, it was proposed to move from a silo focus on behaviour to a more universal approach to include pupil wellbeing and engagement. To achieve this a four phase model of behaviour services has been developed which included providing behaviour and engagement support on four levels. Support ranges from intervention and support in mainstream schools to specialised respite or residential placements.

Currently, the Authority has a range of settings in which pupils are supported. This includes Ysgol Rhydygors, Carmarthenshire Secondary Teaching and Learning Centre (Pupil Referral Unit for secondary pupils), Canolfan Bro Tywi (Pupil Referral Unit for primary pupils) and Canolfan y Gors (Pupil Referral Unit for secondary pupils with significant anxiety and/or emotional wellbeing and mental health issues requiring the support of CAMHS-Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). The vision of the four-phase model includes encouraging each of these settings to work together as one Specialist Behaviour and Wellbeing Support Service Team. One of the principal ways of achieving this is to create consistency in the type of provision offered at each of the settings and to create a system ensuring that links with mainstream schools.

At the current time, once a child is placed in Rhydygors, the historical evidence suggests that the young person remains there until they are 16 with no further mainstream experience.  The new Four Phase Model is developing behaviour support services to allow easier access to early intervention so that schools have direct access to a link Behaviour Support Service team member who will be trained in restorative approaches, trauma informed practices and have continuous professional development to support the needs of their cluster of schools.

There are always learners who have complex needs and require robust support packages outside of mainstream provision but the Authority’s ethos supports inclusivity and developing needs led support and services. Within the Four Phase model when a child is recommended for a place in Phases 3 or 4 there should always be the opportunity for transition back to mainstream, or even access mainstream for subjects that they engage with positively and the learning of others is not negatively impacted, when the young person can regulate emotions and engage in their education in a positive and safe manner. This can be undertaken by continuous monitoring and assessment and with close, transparent and trusting relationships with our mainstream schools.

For the purposes of consistency, access to highly specialist support, access to a broad and balanced curriculum with a range of accreditation options and the offer of individual and bespoke education plans offered in the current Pupil Referral Units through the 3 Tiered approach, there was a requirement to discontinue Ysgol Rhydygors as a special school and establish it as a Pupil Referral Unit and the proposal presented to Committee today will initiate this change.

Whilst it was acknowledged that Ysgol Rhydygors has been providing education for pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties in the form of a special school for a number of years, it was recognised that an enhancement of the Pupil Referral Unit model will more appropriately cater for the needs of society and its young people, thereby providing consistent opportunities across the county.

It was therefore proposed:-

-       To discontinue Ysgol Rhydygors Special School as of the 31st August 2021.  All former Ysgol Rhydygors pupils will continue to receive their education on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school. If approved, instead of receiving provision in a special school, pupils will be educated in a Pupil Referral Unit.  Whilst the proposal should be considered as a whole, the consultation document related to point 1 only. Points 2 and 3 noted below would be undertaken via separate procedures;

-       Should the above (Point 1) be approved, the Local Authority will establish a Pupil Referral Unit on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school as of the 1st September 2021;

-       Additionally, should Point 1 be approved, the Local Authority will establish a Children’s Home/Respite Centre on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors School/Residential Unit as of the 1st September 2021. All former Ysgol Rhydygors pupils who have an element of residential education as part of their SEN Statement will continue to receive this on the site of the former Ysgol Rhydygors school.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·         Officers were asked about the cost per pupil in a PRU compared to a school as the unit cost at Rhydygors appeared to be exceptionally high.  The Director explained that the cost is higher because of the residential element and day provision provided at Rhydygors;

·         Asked for confirmation that learners will not be disenfranchised by the proposed changes, the Director confirmed that everything possible will be done to ensure that learners do not lose out on their provision.  He considered that learners will receive an improved provision by moving to the new approach as they will have more access to qualifications which will provide them with more choices when they leave school;

·         Reference was made to the fact that pupils are placed in Rhydygors because they have behavioural problems and they need specialist care and attention to address their needs. Concern was expressed over the integration back into mainstream schools and how that transition is going to happen.  The Lead Officer for Behaviour Services explained that with regard to transition, pupils are under constant review and every possible assessment is undertaken.  At no point would a pupil be allowed to go back into mainstream education without a robust assessment and full support.  No pupils are ever set up to fail.  The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing added that the model used is based on a fully inclusive approach;

·         Officers were asked if a pupil has extremely special needs, what is the position with regards to how much time they can spend in the PRU before moving on.  The Director informed the Committee that there is a programme of staff training on mainstream education and pupils will not leave until they are ready to do so. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

13.1    that the proposal to remodel behaviour support services at Ysgol        Rhydygors, as detailed in the report, be endorsed;

13.2    that it be recommended to the Executive Board that a formal     consultation process be initiated