Ofsted inspection unveils safeguarding concerns at PGL Windmill Hill
Investigations are ongoing into four sites across the South
OFSTED has suspended an East Sussex activity centre from their register after serious safeguarding issues were raised.
The Windmill Hill activity centre, operated by PGL, is used by schools and families for holidays, offering the chance to take part in a range of activities like abseiling, climbing and watersports.
Inspections were carried out for activities for unaccompanied children on half-term holidays this week.
Three other centres across the South were inspected, including in Wiltshire, Surrey and Dorset.
OFSTED has not provided specific details of the concerns, but they include environmental health concerns, health and safety issues and the conduct of staff.
There is an investigation into substance misuse at one of the sites.
A statement from OFSTED reads:
"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"
The suspension will only affect PGL's provision of care for unaccompanied under 8-year-olds.
A PGL spokesperson said:
"PGL is committed to the highest operational standards. OFSTED’s recent reports have highlighted potential risks arising from isolated administrative and procedural shortcomings at four sites.
Over the next six weeks while the specific 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 vast majority of PGL’s services – such as multi-activity programmes for the education sector and family adventure holidays – are completely unaffected and continue to operate as normal. We are passionate about delivering high quality, inspiring learning experiences that change young people’s lives."