An independent specialist college in Somerset has been rated “inadequate” by Ofsted.
Cambian Lufton College in Yeovil - which provides further education and residential care for students with learning difficulties including autism and social and emotional impairments, and other complex needs and behaviours - was rated “good” in its last full inspection in 2016.
But at an inspection in June, the report of which was published today, Ofsted found the effectiveness of leadership and management, the provision for learners with high needs, and personal development, behaviour and welfare to be “inadequate”. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and outcomes for learners was rated “requires improvement”.
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The report says: “Staff have comprehensively mismanaged safeguarding records. Senior leaders do not consistently respond to incidents appropriately and quickly. Staff do not make safeguarding notifications within the timeframes for either statutory or internal guidance. Senior leaders do not always review incidents thoroughly enough or ensure that proper follow-up action is taken to reduce further incidents.”
‘Disappointment’ over Ofsted findings
It adds: “Significant concerns about staff practice towards students are not consistently investigated. This affects the welfare of students, as their safety is not prioritised and lessons are not learned.
“Senior leaders do not ensure effective oversight of incidents of physical restraint. Records of physical restraint sampled were inaccurate and confusing. They did not routinely include staff or student discussions after incidents so as to offer support and review required changes to practice. First aid is not recorded as being offered to students and staff, when it may have been needed.”
The report does say that therapy, residential and education staff work collaboratively to support students to develop their independent living skills. It adds that students enjoy their learning and the wide range of additional activities on offer to them.
A college spokesperson said: “We were disappointed by the findings of the inspection. This is not a standard that we expect. We have a clear plan to address the areas where we have fallen short and return the college to its previously recognised high standards.”
