Educator perceptions of the complex needs of young people in Pupil Referral Units: An exploratory qualitative analysis

Despite the clear complex needs of young people in PRUs, staff reported feeling ill-equipped to support these individuals and lacked access to effective inter-agency support. Participants reported that pupils' mental health difficulties were exacerbated by exclusion and reintegration practices, an over-zealous focus on educational outcomes and the impact of gang influences on their school lives. Implications include more specific mental health training for staff working in PRU's, improved inter-agency working and the incorporation of trauma-informed approaches in educational practice.