'Serious safeguarding issues' raised at Dorset family adventure park by Ofsted

PGL's Osmington Bay site offers residential breaks and activity holidays for children, allowing them to take part in adventure sports including climbing, abseiling and water sports.

Five PGL centres providing Ofsted-registered care and activities for unaccompanied children on half-term holidays were inspected by Ofsted this week and multiple issues were uncovered at four of their parks, including Osmington Bay.

The investigation raised concerns about "environmental health, health and safety issues, and the conduct of staff, including substance misuse". Ofsted was unable to confirm which issues were raised at Osmington Bay.

As a result, Ofsted has immediately suspended the registration of child care at these sites.

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The suspension only applies to the provision of childcare to unaccompanied children under eight at the four centres. Other activities at the sites are still functioning as normal and the parks remain open.

The other PGL sites that have had their registration suspended are Liddington in Wiltshire, Marchants Hill in Surrey and Windmill Hill in East Sussex.

Ofsted stated some of the concerns identified were being investigated by other agencies and the body was ‘unable to provide specific details at this stage’.

PGL says it will work with Ofsted to ‘fully understand and address their concerns’ but noted the ‘representation and communications of the suspensions by the regulator are both extremely disappointing and frustrating.’

'We recognise the impact this decision will have on many families' - Statement in full from Ofsted

The PGL Osmington Bay in Dorset. Picture: Geoff Moore

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said: “This week we undertook inspections of five PGL centres providing Ofsted-registered care and activities for unaccompanied children on half-term holidays. 

“Having found serious safeguarding issues at four of these sites, we have taken the decision to immediately suspend each of the four registrations.

“Some of the concerns identified are being investigated by other agencies and we are unable to provide specific details at this stage.

“But we can advise that they include environmental health concerns, health and safety issues, and the conduct of staff - including substance misuse.

“PGL provides residential breaks and activity holidays for children aged 7 -17 and operates from centres across the UK and France.

“Ofsted is only able to inspect PGL’s registered childcare provision in England. We do not have any power to inspect or regulate the other activities that PGL runs for children who are accompanied by their schools or parents.              

“We recognise the impact this decision will have on many families. PGL has a duty to inform affected parents urgently, and we have requested contact details in order to do the same.”

PGL aims to 'reassure' families and resolve issues

Osmington Bay. Picture: Google

A spokeswoman for PGL said they were eager to resolve the concerns raised but believed the suspension ‘belies the hard work, professionalism and commitment of our staff at PGL’.

She said: “We want to reassure all our customers that our centres are open and operational.

“Safety and safeguarding are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to the highest operating standards.

“Ofsted’s recent reports have highlighted potential risks arising from isolated administrative and procedural shortcomings at four of our sites.

“Over the coming weeks, while our unaccompanied childcare service that is regulated by Ofsted does not in any event operate, we will be working with Ofsted to fully understand and address their concerns.

“The representation and communications of the suspensions by the regulator are both extremely disappointing and frustrating.

“They wrongly create a sense of systemic and widespread issues that belies the hard work, professionalism and commitment of our staff at PGL.

“We are passionate about delivering high quality, inspiring learning experiences that change young people’s lives.”

Dorset Council aware of investigation 

Dorset Council says it has been notified about the suspension of registration of PGL’s registered childcare provision at Osmington Bay and will assist if required.

A spokesman said: “As this is an ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate for the council to comment further on the nature of the allegations, that may or may not refer to PGL Osmington Bay.

“We will, however work with Ofsted and other agencies in any way that is required.

“The safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is our priority and we will provide support to the provision if requested.

“We are ready to respond to any concerns raised with us by Ofsted, including any safeguarding concerns affecting individual children.

“If any family is affected by this, they should contact the Ofsted Helpline on 0300 123 1231 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk”

• Are you aware of the issues? Would you like to speak to me in confidence? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk