Pupil referral units

Estyn carries out inspections of pupil referral units under Section 28 of the School Inspections Act 2005. The Act requires the Chief Inspector to maintain a register of independent inspectors (registered, team and lay inspectors) whom he considers appropriate to conduct these inspections. Under the Act, the Chief Inspector may also direct Her Majesty's Inspectors of Education and Training (HMI) to inspect schools, where necessary.

All units are inspected at least once every six years. These inspections cover all aspects of a unit's provision. The function of an inspection under Section 28 of the Act is to report on:

• the educational standards achieved in the unit;
• the quality of education provided by the unit;
• how far education meets the range of pupils at the school; 
• the quality of leadership and management of the unit;
• including whether the financial resources are managed efficiently; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school; and
• the contribution of the unit to the well-being of pupils.

In undertaking these inspections, registered inspectors are required to comply with Estyn's Common Inspection Framework for Education and Training in Wales and the Guidance on the Inspection of Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units.

HMI monitor the quality of Section 10 inspections on behalf of the Chief Inspector.

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