Pearl Class
About Pearl
Pearl is part of [FRMAT PRU], a Pupil Referral Unit offering transitional, specialist provision for primary-age pupils across Sheffield. We support children who are taking a step back from mainstream school — giving them a safe, structured, and nurturing space to settle, grow, and get ready for their next permanent school.
We think of Pearl as a bus stop: a place with a clear purpose, where every child is supported on their journey toward a forever school that is exactly right for them. Our job is to make sure they arrive at that next destination feeling more confident, more settled, and better understood.
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Our Ethos Every child matters here. We take the time to understand who each pupil is — not just what has happened before, but what they are capable of. We are honest, consistent, and kind. Pupils know what to expect from us, and we know what they need from us. We work closely with families and external partners to make sure every transition is planned, supported, and successful. |
Our Approach
All of our work is underpinned by trauma-informed practice and a genuine belief in every child’s capacity to thrive. We understand that many of the pupils who come to us have experienced difficulties that have made school feel unsafe or overwhelming. We start by building trust.
Small Setting, High Support
Pearl operates with a maximum of 6 pupils at any one time, supported by a team of 3 adults. This 2:1 adult-to-pupil ratio means every child is seen, known, and supported throughout the day — not just in learning, but in the moments in between.
Nurture and Structure
Predictable daily routines, clear and consistent expectations, and calm, well-regulated adults form the foundation of every day at Pearl. Children do not need to guess what is coming next. Knowing what to expect is one of the most important things we can offer.
Working Across Sheffield
We welcome pupils from right across Sheffield. Every referral is managed through [LA Inclusion Team], and we work closely with referring schools, families, and local authority teams to ensure the move into Pearl is as smooth as possible.
Curriculum
Pupils at Pearl access a broad and purposeful curriculum, taught by qualified staff who understand that engagement, wellbeing, and academic progress go hand in hand. Lessons are practical, creative, and adapted to meet the needs and interests of each individual child.
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Core Subjects • Reading and phonics (daily) • Writing and communication • Maths — with real-world application • Science — practical and exploratory |
Wider Curriculum • Art and creative projects • PSHE and emotional literacy • Outdoor learning • Life skills • Computing and digital skills • PE and movement |
Supporting the Whole Child
Alongside classroom learning, all pupils access targeted social and emotional support. This may include 1:1 key worker time, group regulation activities, and work with external specialist services where appropriate. Academic progress and personal development are planned together, not separately.
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How we plan learning Curriculum planning is flexible and responsive — shaped by the child in front of us, not a fixed timetable. Work completed at Pearl is shared with receiving schools to support a smooth handover. We track progress carefully and share updates with families throughout a child’s time with us. |
Our Team
Every adult in Pearl is here because they want to be. Our team brings together teaching, pastoral, and specialist expertise — and a shared commitment to doing right by every child.
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Staffing at a glance Adult-to-pupil ratio: 3 adults to every 6 pupils (1:2) All staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches Regular supervision, CPD, and team reflection built into the working week
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| Role | Responsibilities |
| Lead Teacher | Leads learning and planning; oversees pupil progress; liaises with families and external agencies |
| Teaching Assistant | Delivers targeted support, co-regulates with pupils, and enables small group and 1:1 work |
| Learning Mentor | Provide pastoral support, key worker functions, family liaison |
Our Impact
Every child who comes to Pearl leaves with a plan. We measure our success not just in academic progress, but in the confidence, skills, and readiness each child takes with them when they move on to their forever school.
What Successful Transitions Look Like
When a pupil leaves Pearl for their forever school, we make sure they leave well. We work with the receiving school to share what we know, visit where possible, and keep in touch during the settling-in period. Transitions are not a handover — they are a handshake.
Referrals and Admissions
Pearl accepts referrals through the Sheffield Local Authority Inclusion Team. We are a transitional provision — pupils come to us while the right long-term placement is identified and secured. We do not work to fixed time limits, but we do work with urgency and purpose to ensure no child stays in a bus stop longer than they need to.