Can we please take this opportunity to thank everyone at MECA - your ability to care for each of your charges, all of them with slightly differing needs, is remarkable. Never once have we felt anything other than cared for and valued. Our child's needs have been considered and we have felt supported throughout - especially in the early days after her referral when it felt like the world was caving in on us all

Year 10 Parent

96% of parents would recommend our school to others

March 2024 Parent questionnaire

Information for prospective parents and pupils

We understand it can be daunting to find out your child is going to attend a Pupil Referral Unit. Below is some information about the induction process, the school day and what to expect

Essex County Council - PRU Guidance

Induction process

When your child's space has been approved by the Local Authority and the School, we will invite you to come in for an initial visit once a space is available.

We will meet with you and your child, learn more about them and give you an opportunity to ask any questions.

We will then arrange for your child to attend two induction sessions. Here we will undertake numeracy and literacy tests. Following this, your child will be on our roll and will start attending lessons.

The school has such a positive learning atmosphere - all staff were happy and welcoming and you could see that it is extended every day to the pupils. I just felt that all staff were present for the students and made them feel welcome and accepted.

Trainee teacher

Support for you and your child

When your child starts at Mid Essex Co-operative Academy, they will be allocated a Home School Liaison Worker (Mrs Harrison or Mrs Johnson).

They will be a point of contact for you and your child, offering support and guidance.

Each child will also have a Key Stage Lead:

KS3 - Ms Robson

KS4 - Mr Freeman

EBSA - Ms Gadenne

They will organise provision, timetables as well as providing pastoral support.

Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Ellis, is our Designated Safeguarding Lead and is responsible for behaviour and attitudes at school.

Typical School Day

All our pupils start with a part time timetable, either:

9.00-11.30 (morning session)

12.15-2.45 (afternoon session)

During this time they will undertake their academic lessons (see curriculum page for more information)

We will also offer enrichment sessions to take part in outside of these times (see enrichment curriculum page for more information)

Pupils have daily tutor time and assembly twice a week, including our celebration assembly on a Friday where we reward and recognise achievement, effort, embodiment of school values and good attendance.

Sample Academic Timetable

I owe a lot to the teachers of this school. I was a troubled young person and was involved in a lot of bad things and my mental health was in a bad place and I was struggling with anger issues. When I came to Heybridge, I was met with smiles and positive energy, my self esteem started improving which helped my mental health improve. I started realising my worth and that it was more than running around the streets wasting my potential.

Former pupil

Returning to mainstream

The Mid Essex Co-operative academy is not a long term provision. We work with pupils to re-engage them in their learning and support a return to mainstream when they are ready.

Sometimes, a child may need additional support to return to a mainstream or a specialist setting may be more suitable. In this instance we can apply for an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan) to support them.