Who are we?

'Save the PRS' is a campaign group fighting the devastating cuts proposed for the Pupil Referral Service across North Yorkshire. 7 Pupil Referral Units across the county are facing cuts of 50-83%. These Units support and re-engage students who have been, or are at risk of being, excluded from mainstream schooling, or who are unable to attend mainstream because of medical conditions, often poor mental health. At a time when exclusions are increasing and the adolescent mental health crisis is worsening, the scale and the speed of the cuts, to take effect in April 2019, is baffling. 

Why are we protesting?

PRUs are full to capacity with very needy children, many with very difficult backgrounds and many with special needs, and their futures are totally unknown. If the cuts go ahead unopposed the likely effects will be a worsening of the mental health crisis, an increase in truancy and off-rolling and a subsequent increase in anti-social behaviour and grooming, including sexual exploitation and coersion into criminality.

What do we want to do?

North Yorkshire County Council have rushed through a consultation that was utterly lacking in transparency, giving parents precious little indication of their plans to fill the gap left by the PRS. Parents, pupils and staff alike are outraged by the complete absence of any coherent strategy for the future - and they want to fight!

We are working with Simpson Millar solicitors to bring a legal challenge, from parents and pupils, against North Yorkshire County Council's lack of consultation on 'Changes to the High Needs Budget' and the unlawful proposals contained in this document. 

We need your help!

Please give what you can to support our campaign to seek justice for our most vulnerable young people. Please share! 

FB: Save the PRS 

Twitter: @savetheprs