Ofsted gives referral units positive report

Pupil referral units have been praised in Ofsted’s annual report for their role in changing the lives of children disengaged from mainstream education.

Most pupils in the units make “significant improvements in their achievements”, according to the chief inspector of schools, David Bell.

Children’s attitudes to learning, a major factor in their return to mainstream schools, had improved in almost all units.

The education standards watchdog also praised provision in secure training centres.

However, the report highlighted continuing concerns over the education of children with mental health problems, saying there was “low” awareness of the issue in schools.

Many schools were unaware of government guidance on promoting the health of this group of children, it said, while staff training was “often unsatisfactory”.

Bell also acknowledged that Ofsted had to do more to improve standards in schools that were providing “nothing better than mediocrity”.