Welcome to The Linden Centre PRU
At The Linden Centre, we believe every child and young person deserves to feel safe, valued and able to succeed. As a trauma-informed and relational Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), we provide specialist support that helps children overcome barriers to learning, build positive relationships and prepare for their next steps.
Our provision is built on understanding, high expectations and personalised support. We recognise that every child has a unique story, and we work closely with families, schools and professionals to ensure the right support is in place at the right time.
The Linden Centre operates across four provisions, alongside our Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST).
Linden Primary Short Stay Assessment and Intervention
Located on King Street, Dawley, our Primary Short Stay Assessment and Intervention provision offers short-term placements for children who are at risk of permanent exclusion, have been permanently excluded, or require intensive support to successfully re-engage with education.
Placements are commissioned by the Local Authority through the Fair Access Process (FAP) and are usually delivered as a structured twelve-week programme. During this time, we assess individual needs, deliver targeted intervention and work closely with schools and families to plan successful next steps.
Our nurturing, relationship-based approach helps children develop confidence, improve emotional regulation and rebuild positive attitudes towards learning.
Centre Lead: Danielle Griffiths
Linden Primary Specialist SEMH Hub
Located on Oak Road, Overdale, our Primary Specialist SEMH Hub provides highly specialised education for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) whose identified needs require this level of provision.
Our small classes and high staffing ratios enable us to deliver personalised learning alongside therapeutic, trauma-informed support. We focus on developing emotional wellbeing, resilience, communication and independence, ensuring every child feels safe, connected and ready to learn.
Working closely with families and multi-agency professionals, we help children make meaningful progress both academically and personally.
Centre Lead: Claire Bowen
Linden Secondary Short Stay Assessment and Intervention
Based in Dawley, our Secondary Short Stay Assessment and Intervention provision supports young people in Years 7–11 who are at risk of permanent exclusion, have been permanently excluded, or require intensive intervention to overcome barriers to learning.
Placements are commissioned through the Fair Access Process (FAP) and combine high-quality teaching with detailed assessment and targeted intervention. Throughout the placement, we work collaboratively with pupils, families and schools to identify strengths, address barriers and support successful reintegration or future educational pathways.
Our relational and trauma-informed approach enables young people to rebuild confidence, improve engagement and achieve positive outcomes.
Centre Lead: Wendy Hollands
Linden Secondary Specialist SEMH Hub
Our Secondary Specialist SEMH Hub provides highly specialised education for a small number of learners in Years 7–11 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) where Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs are the primary identified area of need.
The Hub offers a calm, structured and nurturing environment where relationships come first. Through an ambitious curriculum, therapeutic approaches and personalised support, we help young people develop resilience, emotional wellbeing, independence and the skills they need for adulthood.
Every learner is supported to achieve their full potential and prepare confidently for their next stage of education, employment or training.
Centre Lead: Henry Groome
Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST)
The Linden Centre is proud to host the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST), working across Telford and Wrekin to strengthen inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people.
Our experienced team works in partnership with schools, families and professionals to provide early intervention, specialist advice and practical support that enables more children to remain successfully included within their local school wherever possible.
The APST offers:
- Individual support for children and young people.
- Specialist observations, assessments and recommendations.
- Trauma-informed and relational practice advice.
- Coaching, mentoring and modelling for school staff.
- Training and professional development.
- Whole-school inclusion reviews and bespoke support packages.
The APST operates as a traded service through Service Level Agreements (SLAs) or commissioned support packages.
Main Contact: Amy Heath, Assistant Headteacher (SEND, Inclusion & APST)