[senco-forum] PRUs and new regs

One of the problems I find is what we can do for some pupils with BESD
(often statements but not always) who are able but may have a diagnosis
like ODD or conduct disorder.  The problems are sometimes rooted in a
horrendous history or abuse as a small child.  I find that though we try
everything to be inclusive and have individual programmes and support,
their needs are not "educational" only but chiefly emotional,
psychological and social.  I sometimes wonder what else we can do and
feel that a school of 1900 is not always the right thing.  Our hands are
tied. 

Last week the LEA offered me more money to help with one Year 8 child -
I was honest and said more support won't make any difference as he
rejects most of it. I think these are my greatest worry as I know the
BESD is not rooted in learning difficulties.

(I think that was all quite muddled.)  Does anyone else have the same
concerns?

Barbara

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Maggie
Downie
Sent: 04 February 2007 13:26

To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] PRUs and new regs

I am with Brian and Barbara on this one.

While I can see where Aly is coming from but her experience of working
in an EBD school is quite different from the experience of those having
to cope with these children in mainstream.  The very few children our
school has referred to the PRU in the last few years were first and
foremost, semi literate (I can only think of 2 who had anything
approaching 'normal' reading & writing skills), had experienced 6, 7 or
8 years of failure and had 'social & emotional' responses to being in a
classroom which completely precluded any willingness to engage in any
way what so ever with learning.  I worked with many of them one to one,
where they were like completely different children, but put them in a
classroom and no strategy on earth would make them even slightly
compliant.

In the real world, these children need lots of individual attention and
intensive teaching to restore their self confidence and give them the
tools with which to learn.  Not to mention a quiet, controlled, non
threatening learning environment.  I thought that a PRU was supposed to
provide all that.  

A mainstream school can't, unless it has its own dedicated unit, well
trained staff and the funding to support it.

Maggie

now...