12 July 2019 weekly update

Dear Colleagues

Kent Pupil Referral Unit and Alternative Provision Model

Kent Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and Alternative Provision (AP) system was reformed in 2013/15 to address the issues of unsustainable demand for PRU placements due to high number of pupils being permanently excluded by Kent schools. The new PRU model has been effective in managing demand through more outreach and preventative work and the Early Help Attendance and Inclusion Service has helped develop increased inclusivity in schools. However, there continue to be a number of challenges of inconsistency in performance, cost efficiency and accountability across the spectrum of alternative provision in Kent.

In order to address some of the ongoing challenges outlined above, KCC CYPE ran a consultation with schools and alternative provision heads and their management committee chairs between December 2018 and February 2019. Stuart Collins, Director of Integrated Children’s Services, who led the consultation met with all of the Alternative Provision Heads and Management Committee Chairs on a number of occasions to discuss the findings and consider the detail.

Following the responses to the consultation and during discussion with the Heads and Chairs there was broad agreement for 10 of the 14 proposals to be taken forward. Further meetings were held to discuss the detail of the four outstanding issues, and I am pleased to be able to announce that all of the proposals were accepted and agreed at the School Funding Forum on 27 June 2019

Please see the outcome of the consultation and a detailed breakdown of the financial allocations across districts and settings (PDF, 346.2 KB).

July Headteacher Briefings

Thank you to those who attended my recent Headteacher Briefings. As promised, the presentation (PPTX, 2.1 MB) from the meetings is now available. I am hoping to share further information on the EEF offer before the end of term.

Matt Dunkley CBE
Corporate Director
Children, Young People and Education