Contact: Janet Sheriton, 01962 845706, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Education delegates to:

(a) the Director of Children's Services the authority:-

· To establish a Management Committee for each PRU;

· To consult with existing PRU Management Committees, determine the constitution model, draw up and make an Instrument of Government for each PRU;

· To invite expressions of interest in filling LA or community vacancies from existing members of MCs, school staff, governing bodies and other interested parties;

· To appoint LA members of the Management Committee on the nomination of the Executive Member (Education) who will consult with County Councillors in the electoral divisions normally served by the PRU;

· To appoint community members to the first Management Committees;

· To remove LA appointed members from office for good reason where the Management Committee having considered the matter so recommends. Appeals against removal will be heard by a panel of elected members convened by the Executive Member (Education);

· To offer further briefing to the Executive Member (Education) when the government clarifies its intention in respect of the future legal status of PRUs and the financial and personnel responsibilities of Management Committees;

(b) The Head of Centre of Pupil Referral Units

· The conduct of staff and parent member elections in accordance with guidance.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision is needed to implement changes to the statutory requirements in respect of Pupil Referral Units ( known as Education Centres in Hampshire) if the Government proceeds to implementation following the recently completed national consultation.

2.2 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by establishing effective governance arrangements for Pupil Referral Units which engage schools, parents and other partners in making effective provision for excluded pupils which keep them engaged and attending education rather than roaming the streets.

Maximising well-being" - by engaging stakeholders and partners in making provision for excluded, disaffected and vulnerable youngsters which enables them to enjoy, achieve and develop their self esteem and make a positive contribution to society.

2.3 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution; Economic well-being are all supported for the vulnerable pupils who attend PRUs. Effectively involving schools, parents and community partners in the governance of Pupil Referral Units which make appropriate provision for excluded pupils will better enable those pupils to achieve appropriate outcomes in accordance with each aim of the Children Act.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 Consideration was given to the possibility of having one Management Committee responsible for all seven PRUs in Hampshire. This option was rejected because it did not offer the same scope for the engagement of local schools, parents of pupils and other community partners in the decision making of their area PRU. Additionally it was not felt to be consistent with the County Council's policy of local decision making nor to fit comfortably with the development of Locality Teams or Education Inclusion Partnerships.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Member for Education