Staff at a Midlands school are reportedly facing job losses, with a union slamming the council over a 'shocking' lack of support. The Change Centre, based at the Thorns Collegiate Academy in Brierley Hill, provides specialist support to children and young people at risk of school exclusion.
Staff at the centre deliver a structured six-week intervention programme aimed at raising self-awareness, shifting attitudes, and equipping students with skills for lasting change. However, workers now face an uncertain future, according to the GMB Union.
The union accuses Dudley Council of failing to meet a referral agreement with the facility, despite high demand for alternative provision in the borough. Rebecca Mitchell, GMB Organiser, said: 'Alternative provision is an essential part of local education services; it’s shocking that council bosses seem so relaxed about the situation at the Change Centre. Huge investment has been made based on the Council’s promises of pupil referrals. Now we are hearing of a lack of referral and support, with dedicated school workers facing job losses as a result.'
Cllr Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, defended the council's approach, stating that the pathway strategy has led to a 30 per cent reduction in suspensions and exclusions in the past year. He explained that the pathway learning centre at Thorns was set up by the council and Shireland Academy Trust last September, with the council providing capital funding but the Trust managing day-to-day operations and employment decisions.
Cllr Little added: 'Pupils are referred from individual schools and via the local authority, but the council cannot compel schools to use the centre. The impact on pupils is extremely positive, and the quality of intervention is outstanding. Numbers in the centres are increasing, and it was never the intention to fill places immediately after opening. We are continuing to work with the Trust to support the centre’s future and have recently moved placement panels to fortnightly, which will lead to a greater number of appropriate referrals over time.'
