Decision details

The Executive to consider the outcome of the public consultation process and take a decision on the proposed closure of College Hall Pupil Referral Unit.

RESOLVED that

1              the pre-consultation feedback and outcomes of the public consultation on the potential closure of College Hall Pupil Referral Unit be noted

2              subject to the DfE agreeing to revoke the Academy Order, the closure of College Hall PRU following the public consultation be agreed, for the reasons summarised in the report.

The council’s invitation to join the Department for Education’s Safety Valve

Intervention Programme in July 2023 led to a detailed review of all areas of

expenditure within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which includes the High

Needs Block. This was undertaken by the council working together with local

headteachers and other stakeholders including parent and carer representatives.

The potential closure of College Hall PRU emerged as an option for the council to

consider in Autumn 2023, supported by various factors including an inadequate

Ofsted inspection in July 2023 and consensus among headteachers and other

stakeholders that it was no longer fit for purpose. From a financial perspective, the

current operating model for the PRU is no longer sustainable. In December 2023

College Hall’s Management Committee considered the likely implications of a

material reduction in its funding due to lower pupil admissions and concluded that

this would make the facility unviable.

The council’s ability to consult on potential closure of the PRU is dependent on the

Department for Education (DfE) decision to revoke the academy order which was

placed on College Hall following its Ofsted inspection. A request to the DfE to take

this action has been submitted by the College Hall Management Committee. If this

request is not granted, Bracknell Forest Council will reduce the number of funded

places and top up additions to reflect the level of provision required to support children and young people under Section 19 duty i.e., for those children and young

people who have been permanently excluded.

None