Investment 'shows pupils they're worth it'
An almost £3 million upgrade has been completed to help young people in Somerset who've struggled at school.
Up to 35 children and young people aged five to 16 will now benefit from a £2.85 million upgrade of a Taunton-based pupil referral unit - which the headteacher says 'will tell the students they're worth it'.
Kim Lawrence, Headteacher at Taunton Deane Partnership College, which includes the Holway Centre, told us it sends a message to the youngsters that 'we're investing in you' and want to support you.
The Holway Centre, which used to be a primary school, is part of Taunton Deane Partnership College. It now boasts bespoke workshops and practical spaces for the teaching of vocational skills - alongside classrooms for core curriculum subjects including Science, Technology, English, Art and Maths.
PRUs are a type of school that caters for children and young people not able to attend mainstream schools.
While pupils are often referred to a PRU if they need a support beyond what their school can provide, PRUs also work with mainstream schools to support children and young people to stay within their settings.
Holway is one of four PRUs in Somerset. Children and young people access PRUs in various ways for differing amounts of time but on any given day, PRUs in Somerset collectively have the capacity to accommodate 273 children and young people.
Somerset County Council has made the investment based on its prediction that 'demand for specialised school places will continue to rise as housing developments are delivered and the population increases'.
Head Kim Lawrence added: "The work we do at Taunton Deane Partnership College is always looking at supporting our young people both now and in preparation for their next steps.
"Having the opportunity to access fully equipped classrooms and vocational spaces, including a workshop and teaching kitchen, are key to this.
"Our staff work hard to meet the needs of children and young people who have often struggled in mainstream settings, and I am pleased that we now have the facilities to help them with this. "
Councillor Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I’m very pleased to see work on this project completed on time and on budget, with students already benefiting from the positive learning environment that these new facilities provide.
“Somerset County Council is committed to the delivery of high-quality education to all children across Somerset, whatever their abilities, needs or challenges, providing opportunities for them all to achieve their potential.”
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