Council papers reveal that a childs behaviour is not addressed as well as other needs, at Bexleys schools

»Teenagers at a pupil referral unit are due to enter their new £4.2million building on Monday as a council report reveals there is a “behaviour crisis” in Bexley.

Year 11 pupils who are taking their exams, will stay at the old building so as not to disrupt their routine

Pupils from the Howbury Centre in Slade Green Road, Erith, which currently has 160 students in the secondary part, of which 55 students have medical needs, will be moving next week to the new site in Lensbury Way, Abbey Wood.

But the Year 11 pupils who are taking their exams, will stay at the old building so as not to disrupt their routine.

Challenging

A council report refers to a meeting about the situation in Bexley schools.

It reads: “There was an observation that there is a ‘behaviour crisis in Bexley’.

“A child’s behaviour is not addressed as well as other needs.

“At the primary Pupil Referral Unit for example there are some children who have no intervention prior to coming to the Pru, but they are presenting with very challenging behaviours which are needing to be addressed before their additional learning needs can be addressed.

“The statementing process is not as quick as needed and behaviour is not always addressed until it reaches crisis point.”

An official opening for the new centre is due to take place in September after the primary pupils moved there last year.

The primary unit can now take 24 children which is an increase from 18 and it is currently at capacity.

A council spokesman said: “With secondary there is no such limit as such.

“It depends on the number of permanent exclusions and those in need of respite. The new secondary facility being built offers much improved facilities.

“All parts have functioned as normal throughout the building work.

“The council works tirelessly and successfully with its partners in schools to ensure this is not the case. Bexley’s permanent and fixed term exclusion levels are at a five year low, and attendance is at an all time high.”