Pupil referral unit receives a near-perfect inspection report

A EDUCATION unit has been judged near-perfect in a glowing report from inspectors.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor [e-mail]

Estyn gave a rare accolade to the Tai Educational Centre in Rhondda Cynon Taf, judging that it needs none of the usual recommendations for improvement.

The pupil referral unit in Penygraig takes children from RCT and neigh-bouring areas, some of whom have been expelled from school.

Its 55 pupils are aged five to 11 and experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Many pupils come to the pupil referral unit after struggling in mainstream education, but then thrive, inspectors said.

Nearly all pupils during their time at the PRU make strong and in a few cases exceptionally strong progress in their learning, behaviour, emotional development and attendance.