Referrals
The EBDST is an integral part of the Pupil and School Support Division of Children's Services. The Education Development Plan and the Behaviour Support Plan guide the work of the team.
The service is committed to raising attainment and promoting social inclusion. It is our belief that children will maximise their learning potential only if their social and emotional needs are met. We will work with others to provide a range of responses with an emphasis upon partnership, prevention and early intervention.
The service comprises of:
- Three pupil referral units (PRUs); and
- A team of peripatetic specialist teachers and teaching assistants.
PRUs are a type of school, they provide a broad balanced curriculum, within a specialist environment to support the social, emotional and behavioural needs of the children attending. They provide short term, sessional placements for some pupils who continue to attend mainstream school and fulltime placements for pupils who are permanently excluded. For younger children (7 to 13 years, Key Stages 2 and 3) the main aim is to help the pupil to return to fulltime mainstream education. For older pupils (14 to 16 years, Key Stage 4) the aim is to prepare the student for opportunities after leaving school.
The PRUs are at Barrow, Carlisle and Distington, each can provide upto 44 fulltime equivalent places.
There are 2 or 3 peripatetic specialist teachers for each area of the County. They are supported by specialist teaching assistants and work closely with PRUs, other members of PaSS and other agencies. The team works to the Behaviour Support Plan Objectives and increasingly in consultation with schools. All school have received and are expected to follow the guidance in the behaviour support plan materials - 'Planning for Positive Behaviour'
In addition to contributing to statutory assessments, reviews and individual education plans for children with statements, the team provides support at 'school action' and 'school action plus'. Staff will respond to individual referrals and also provide advice, training and support for groups. The service will also provide in service training for schools and the local 'inset' network on emotional and behavioural issues.