The local authority currently operates 4 Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and 2 Behaviour Partnerships (BPs) in Somerset. These differ in terms of facilities, staffing, and funding, at times leading to varied outcomes for children and young people.
To address these challenges, and encourage a standardised approach, the Council is proposing to merge the management of the 4 PRUs which will operate in 2 halves of the county. 1 covering the east, and the other the west of the county.
In technical governance terms, 2 PRU sites would close and then be amalgamated into the remaining 2. The names of the PRUs would change but all 4 will remain operational and no places would be lost. The children attending would continue to do so.
The consultation is now live will remain open until 12 September 2025. All responses will be considered before a decision is taken in October on whether to proceed.
Somerset Council is encouraging feedback from anyone involved or interested in education, such as parents, carers, school staff, PRU and BP professionals, and local organisations.
Executive Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said:
These proposals are about creating a fairer system where every child receives high-quality education support—no matter where they live.
We encourage parents, carers, educators, local organisations, and anyone with an interest in education to share their views and help shape a future that works better for all children and young people.
A link to the consultation can be found via the Council’s: Pupil Referral Unit Consultation page.
Paper copies of the consultation can be viewed, or printed on request, at Bridgwater, Taunton, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil libraries.
