THE new Harbour Pupil Referral Unit will be officially opened in Lowestoft on Friday.The unit, in Saturn Close, will offer more space for the scheme, which aims to help students return to their mainstream school.

THE new Harbour Pupil Referral Unit will be officially opened in Lowestoft on Friday.

The unit, in Saturn Close, will offer more space for the scheme, which aims to help students return to their mainstream school.

Harbour Pupil Referral Unit first opened in 2003 and was housed in a mobile classroom on the site of Coleville House. Over the following six years the number of pupils and staff increased, adding to the need for a new home.

Speaking on the new premises, Paul Baverstock, head teacher of Harbour PRU said: 'This wonderful building demonstrates the commitment of Suffolk County Council to provide resources of the highest quality for children in its schools. Our challenge is to make this building improve the outcomes for children which means they experience greater success in their mainstream school."

Students now work in a safer and secure learning environment that gives them the opportunity to develop skills and understanding in a variety of ways and at many levels. The building is full of technologies that provide the most up-to-date learning experience whilst the grounds provide a challenge as the school team develop the outside environment.

Work to build the new unit on the playing field at Harris Middle School began in February and was completed last month.