Wokingham

A report just published by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), the government body for inspecting performance of education establishments, shows that Wokingham’s Pupil Referral Service achieved grade 2 (good) in each of the categories used by OFSTED to make their assessment.

The Pupil Referral Service (PRS) provides for a small number of pupils and students between 11 and 16 years of age, the majority of whom have been permanently excluded from their secondary school for persistent disruptive behaviour

In their report following a one-day Wokingham inspection on October 16, inspectors applauded the service for the good quality of education for its students. They agreed with parents, carers and the students themselves that the unit is effective in meeting the needs of learners. The report also praised the headteacher and said she ‘provides good leadership and has a clear understanding of the services strengths and weaknesses and she has established an effective staff team who work well together to bring about improvements.’

The service underwent a restructuring in September 2005 when two separate referral units were amalgamated and a new headteacher, Jo Holt, was appointed.

Jo Holt said: “We aimed to quickly consolidate the work of the two units and I feel that we achieved that. We want to make even more improvements, but it’s very reassuring that OFSTED has acknowledged our progress so far. The results of the inspection are a great achievement for the pupils and their teachers. We motivate our pupils with challenging activities, build their self confidence and re-engage them with learning.”

The Wokingham Pupil Referral Service puts strong emphasis on ensuring students understand their responsibility to manage their own learning and behaviour, building self esteem, confidence and respect for others, in the process of overcoming their difficulties.

Many of the pupils enjoy their learning; the curriculum meets the needs and interest of the students and they are offered good opportunities for vocational training. Inspectors also praised the fact that ‘students are well prepared for reintegration into mainstream schooling, further education or employment once they leave the PRS.’

Students receive good careers’ advice and are well informed of their future options and supported to make decisions for themselves

All pupils who were entered for GCSE examinations in 2005/06 gained passes and achieved grade A* to Gs. The inspectors noted ‘they achieved well as a result of their hard work and the teaching and support they receive, which gives them the confidence to improve.’

The Wokingham Pupil Referral Service is already addressing challenges highlighted by the report. These include improving pupils’ attendance, ensuring teachers give pupils more help in reaching the challenging targets and ensuring teachers use the information they have about pupils to plan lessons more effectively.

Wokingham District Council