FEATURE FOCUS: ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
Play builds resilience and wellbeing at Pinderfields Pupil Referral Unit
diagnosis or condition.
Woodlands Centre is one of the seven units that make up Pinderfields Hospital PRU. Originally a hospital school supporting children who had illnesses or conditions that made it hard for them to attend school, Pinderfields now supports many children and young people with mental health, wellbeing, emotional, physical and communication needs.
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n our second feature this month looking at alternative provision, Sal McKeown – a freelance journalist writing about disability, education and technology – goes behind the scenes at Pinderfields PRU to find out more about the importance the unit puts on play.
Unlike mainstream schools, Pinderfields Hospital Pupil Referral Unit in Wakefield has a constantly changing pupil population. Referrals can come at any time during the academic year and the length of time that each pupil stays depends on their
The atmosphere is relaxed, but there are high expectations of both learning and behaviour. Some children wear the Pinderfields uniform, some have the uniform from their last school, others come in their own choice of clothes. ‘We pick the issues that matter,’ said headteacher Helen Mumby. ‘Children know they will be doing their English, their reading, maths. They know there are consequences for damaging school property or assaulting staff. These are the important issues. I will not focus on uniform with children who have sensory issues. The crucial thing is that they are comfortable enough to attend school.’
The school is small with 16 pupils aged 5-11. The staff pupil ratio is generous compared to mainstream so they can be creative in the way they group learners. Some children might work in a pair, others work in a bigger group and some work one to one with adult support. It is not about being a year 3 or a year 5 but about being in a group, like an extended family, engaging in many of the same sort of activities but at different levels.
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www.education-today.co.uk Settling into a new school
When children arrive at Woodlands, they will often have had a chequered time in education. All the pupils have an EHCP. Their primary need will be social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). Being in a class of 30 or more children has been a challenge and many will have struggled with relationships in school. There will probably have been a lengthy period when other professionals will have been involved, perhaps an educational psychologist or a speech and language therapist. Some pupils may have been reluctant attenders. Some will not have made many friends because they have spent so much time out of the main class, working one to one with support staff.
Kelly Burton is the teacher in charge of Woodlands. Many children settle in very quickly because they feel safe here. The staff are used to dealing with pupils with complex needs. They understand that they will display behaviours which would be seen as disruptive in mainstream. ‘We will not be shocked, nor punish, nor segregate children,’ said Kelly. ‘We offer unconditional positive regard.’
There is an emphasis in all the settings on working with others, communicating, building relationships and learning to recognise and regulate emotions. The primary aim is to produce children who can function in society and learn. The children may transition from Woodlands back into a mainstream school or into a special school.
January 2023
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