1. What was the nature of the investigations into a safeguarding incidents at Central and Southern Homes Limited for years 2021 and 2022?
2. When was the issues reported?
3. What investigations was undertaken?
4. What was the timelines of these investigations?
In response to questions 1-4, disclosure of the information regarding individual investigations may potentially identify the people involved. This would be a breach of their personal data and this information is therefore exempt from disclosure pursuant to section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
However, we can confirm that there has been a number of quality assurance concerns for Magdalen Court School since the school received an ‘Inadequate’ judgement from Ofsted (the regulatory body) in 2017. There has been a number of changes in both staff and leadership and management over this period. The decision was taken by the school to register to become an independent special school in 2020. An action plan was required by Ofsted, prior to this change in registration to an independent special school being granted by Ofsted in September 2020. The Devon County Council SEN (Special Educational Needs) Manager at the time did speak directly to Ofsted inspectors to provide a view on Quality Assurance and experiences with the school as part of this process.
The Devon County Council (DCC) Quality Assurance Team were supporting the school and information continued to be escalated with DCC Managers, following outcomes of visits, progress being reported and an increasing number of parental complaints received by the 0-25 SEN team through 2021/22. At the conclusion of the Quality Assurance Team input, there was a ‘Team around the School’ in place for Magdalen Court School, overseeing the next steps for the school with the Directors/ Trustees for the school.
5. What was the outcomes?
Further to the outcomes described the response above, please see the improvement reports. Names have been redacted from these reports as they are exempt from disclosure, pursuant to Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
6. Have these incidents been reported to any law enforcement agencies, if so which, and when?
No
7. Have any third parties such as trade unions, local authorities, current/ex-employees, parents and law firms made any complaints or raised any concerns directly to Ofsted about Central and Southern Homes Limited?
Please see our response above.
8. Have there been any investigations by the council regarding the directors’ failures and connections with both Magdalen Court School and Central and Southern Homes Limited.
Particularly around the following:
8.1. Safeguarding of children and staff
8.2. Allegations against staff
8.3. General provision
8.4. Gagging orders of staff
8.5. Data protection issues
No