10 Reasons Why A Placement At A Pupil Referral Unit May Benefit Your Child More Than You Think
If you’re a parent hearing the words “pupil referral unit” for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. And before we go any further, if you're wondering "what is a pupil referral unit?", you may wish to read this blog post before scrolling any further!
Many imagine a pupil referral unit as a place where children are “sent away” or where their opportunities shrink. But actually, a PRU can be a life-changing stepping stone that helps children rediscover their confidence, reignite their love of learning and find new direction.
This article is here to give you hope. I’ll explain clearly what a PRU is, share insights from life inside these schools and give you ten uplifting reasons why a pupil referral unit might actually be the very best thing for your child right now.
And if you’d like to know how to prevent permanent exclusion altogether, I’ll show you how my dedicated coaching session for parents can give you the strategies and support to keep your child thriving in mainstream education.
What Is A PRU? Understanding The Basics
So, first things first: what is a PRU?
A pupil referral unit (PRU) is a type of alternative provision in the UK for children who can’t currently attend mainstream school. Reasons vary, ranging from medical needs, emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges or simply that the school environment isn’t working for them.
PRUs are designed to give children the opportunity to continue their education in smaller classes, with more support, and with teaching that’s often much more personalised to their needs. Far from being a “last resort,” a PRU can be a fresh start, a place to reset and an environment where your child feels understood and supported.
Life Inside A Pupil Referral Unit
Every PRU is different, but here’s what parents often notice:
Smaller class sizes mean your child gets more individual attention.
Staff are specialists in working with children who’ve had a tough time in mainstream school.
Focus is on the whole child, not just the academic side. Emotional well-being and resilience are key.
Flexible approaches to learning help children rediscover what education can feel like when it suits them.
I’ve worked in and with PRUs for over 15 years, and one thing always shines through - these settings can offer hope, healing and opportunity.
Ten Reasons Why A PRU Could Be The Best Thing For Your Child
1. Smaller Class Sizes = More Attention
Unlike mainstream schools where classes may have around 30 children, PRUs often have groups of 5-8. This means your child gets noticed, supported and encouraged every single day.
2. Specialist Staff Who “Get It”
PRU teachers and support workers are experts in understanding behaviour, emotional struggles and additional needs. They know how to reach children others may have written off. Many PRUs will also have dedicated therapists, counsellors and mentors, as well as strong links to external services and professional agencies.
3. A Fresh Start Without Labels
For many children, moving into a PRU feels like wiping the slate clean. They’re no longer “the disruptive one” or “the child who can’t behave”. They’re simply themselves, with a chance to start again.
4. Focus On Emotional Wellbeing
PRUs understand that learning can’t happen if a child feels unsafe, anxious or misunderstood. That’s why emotional support, mentoring and well-being are central to the PRU day.
5. Flexible Learning Styles
Not every child thrives with textbooks and exams. PRUs often introduce practical, hands-on learning, vocational training and creative outlets that reconnect children with education.
6. Building Confidence, Step By Step
Success is celebrated differently in a PRU. Whether it’s managing emotions, engaging in group work or completing a piece of work, every step forward boosts confidence.
7. Stronger Relationships With Adults
Because classes are smaller and staff have more time, children often build strong, trusting relationships with adults in PRUs. This can be life-changing for their self-belief, and make school a place they want to attend, supporting them to overcome barriers to attendance.
8. Opportunities Beyond The Classroom
PRUs often partner with local businesses, youth projects and training providers, opening doors to opportunities mainstream schools may not offer. This helps young people get a taste of the real world.
9. Preparing For A Positive Future
Whether your child returns to mainstream school, moves into further education or takes up vocational training, PRUs are focused on preparing them for the next step.
10. Rediscovering Joy In Learning
Perhaps the biggest gift of all: children begin to smile about school again. They rediscover what it feels like to succeed, belong and be valued.
From Struggle To Success
I could literally share hundreds of success stories and first-hand experiences. I'll share this one in particular, whereby I have changed the name of the young person to Aisha for confidentiality.
This young person I worked with struggled with anxiety and behaviour challenges in her mainstream school. The word “exclusion” was on everyone’s lips. Her parents were terrified.
Aisha moved to the pupil referral unit, and within weeks her confidence grew. Smaller classes meant she wasn’t overwhelmed. Supportive staff recognised her anxiety, not just her behaviour. She started enjoying art, then maths, then even started volunteering to mentor younger students who were just as anxious as she was originally when she first arrived.
Her parents told me: “For the first time, she believes she’s capable. We see her smiling about school again.”
This is the power of a PRU. It is not a setback, but a springboard.
Why Prevention Still Matters
While PRUs can be a fantastic option, most parents want to know: how can we stop my child being excluded in the first place?
That’s where my Preventing Permanent Exclusion coaching session comes in.
This online session gives you:
Practical tools to work with schools effectively.
Strategies to de-escalate issues before they reach crisis point.
Confidence to advocate for your child without conflict.
A clear plan to keep your child in mainstream education whenever possible.
What Parents Gain From Coaching
Parents I’ve worked with say they feel:
Empowered: no longer lost in the system.
Reassured: understanding their child’s options.
Hopeful: knowing exclusion isn’t the end of the road.
My role is not just to share strategies, but to stand alongside you so you feel confident navigating the process. And for parents who are working through very complex circumstances, I offer one-to-one consultations for parents, which may also be beneficial for you.
Looking Ahead: A Positive Future For Your Child
The words pupil referral unit don’t have to signal the end of opportunity. In fact, as you’ve seen in this blog post, a PRU can be the beginning of something brighter - a place where children rediscover confidence, purpose and the joy of learning.
Whether your child is already in a PRU, or you’re worried they may be heading that way, you have options and you are not alone. With the right tools and support, you can shape their journey in a way that keeps doors open and futures full of possibility.
Want To Explore How You Can Prevent Permanent Exclusion?
If your child is at risk of permanent exclusion, now is the time to act. Book your Preventing Permanent Exclusion online session today and take the first step towards a positive plan that protects your child’s future.