Ofsted suspends registration of four outdoor activity centres

The inspectorate said the registration of four sites run by PGL Travel had been suspended “immediately” due to a catalogue of concerns including allegations of substance misuse by staff.

Ofsted said it could not give any further detail on the issues but added they were being investigated “by other agencies”.

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“We can advise that they include environmental health concerns, health and safety issues, and the conduct of staff – including substance misuse,” a statement said.

The suspensions come following inspections this week of five sites run by the camp operator which offers Ofsted-registered childcare to unaccompanied children under the age of eight. 

However, Ofsted is only able to inspect PGL’s registered childcare provision meaning the suspensions only apply to these services on the four sites.

PGL provides residential breaks and activity holidays for children aged seven to 17 in the UK and France.

“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,” it said.

The four sites are Liddington in Wiltshire, Marchants Hill in Surrey, Osmington Bay in Dorset and Windmill Hill in East Sussex.

A spokesman for PGL 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.”