To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils were permanently excluded from pupil referral units in each of the last three years; and what the process is for identifying a suitable setting for educational provision for such children. (231380)

The requested information on exclusions from pupil referral units in 2006-07 is no longer collected centrally. The latest date for which we have such data, 2004-05, shows that 40 pupils were permanently excluded from pupil referral units.

It is up to each local authority to determine the most appropriate setting for pupils who have been permanently excluded from pupil referral units. We do not specify the process by which local authorities determine this but we would expect them to base their decision on the pupil’s individual needs.

On 23 October we published new guidance for local authorities and schools on commissioning alternative provision from external sources, such as from the voluntary and private sectors, which will help them to commission appropriate provision. The guidance makes clear that it is important that any underlying causes of challenging behaviour are identified and addressed.