Bassetlaw: Learning Centre that offers support to excluded pupils is facing the axe

Proposals to shut down Bassetlaw Learning Centre in Worksop will be discussed by Notts County Council later this month.
Bassetlaw Learning CentreBassetlaw Learning Centre
Bassetlaw Learning Centre

The centre, which caters for the county’s children and young people who are at risk or have been permanently excluded from school, is set to close at the end of 2014.

It also provides ‘out of school’ education for children and young people of secondary age who are currently not attending other local schools as a result of their behaviour.

Members of the Children and Young People’s Services Committee will look at the main reasons for the closure recommendations.

These include the low numbers of pupils requiring provision on the site and the fact the centre does not represent ‘value for money’ in terms of the outcomes achieved by pupils.

Chairman of the children and young people’s committee Coun John Peck said: “Instead of permanently excluding children and young people with behavioural difficulties, we have encouraged schools to work together in partnership to provide improved opportunities for those who struggle in traditional settings.”

“We have found that outcomes are better for the young people when they remain within their communities, both in terms of managing their behaviour and in relation to academic achievement.”

The council said if the proposal is approved by the council on 14th July, a formal closure process will be initiated, determining how to make best use of the premises.

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