Decision details

Currently our Pupil Referral Units in GM do not have a network to collaborate. This means that when GM VRU is seeking to develop specific programmes, it lacks a strategic pathway to quickly disseminate information or drive engagement. When we look at how we can develop employability skills and provide effective careers support for our young people not in mainstream education, this lack of a network can make the dissemination of this information, and the practical application within settings, more difficult. Through bringing together our 10 PRUs and a selection of AP P Post-16 providers, we can begin an Appreciative Inquiry to discover what is taking place currently and look to consider what could be if we were to work together more effectively in the following areas:

1. What are the current pressures on the provisions?
2. What are the best bets for improving the system from within in relation to the curriculum?
3. How could the M-BACC support the providers?
4. What is currently in place to support the employability needs of the young people and how can we work in tandem to improve this?

This funding from the VRU will specifically purchase the following services from the Education Community partnership:

• Connection and/or visits to the PRUs to understand each of the providers and to prepare for the symposium.
• Planning sessions with the VRU team.
• Preparation for the symposium to take place over a 3-hour period on Thursday 27th March.
• Facilitation of the symposium.
• Post- symposium write-up and dissemination. To include identification of next steps.

At all times, the VRU’s Education Lead will lead on activity with the Education Community Partnership and use the outcome as a springboard from which to drive strategic engagement with all 10 PRUs in ways not currently available to the VRU without this work.

The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit are seeking to make a payment of £4950.00 to the Education Community Partnership to facilitate a symposium on engaging Alternative Provision (AP) & Pupil Referral Units to as part of the VRU’s Education Strategy group.