An overhaul of the way children who are not in mainstream school are educated looks likely in Swansea, partly because efforts to tackle violence and aggression at a new pupil referral unit have not worked.
Swansea Council's cabinet has approved a consultation with relevant staff and organisations about reorganising the education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) service. The service was overhauled seven years ago and led to the building of the £10 million Maes Derw pupil referral unit, Cockett. The unit is for young people with severe social emotional behavioural difficulties, with mainstream schools looking after those with less pronounced issues.
A report before cabinet said it was not possible for a referral unit like Maes Derw to meet learners' needs at a time of increasing mental health issues among young people, rising school exclusions, and changes in how young people with additional learning needs need to be supported. It said there have been significant challenges at Maes Derw, which has 158 places and a £3.5 million annual budget - working out at £22,500 per place. Attendance rates and reintegration rates into mainstream education were low, it said, while exclusion rates were high. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
