AN independent specialist school has been rated inadequate by Ofsted, with inspectors stating the culture of safeguarding is “very weak”.

The Lions Works School, in Wallisdown Road, Poole, was deemed to be inadequate in its personal development and leadership and management, and required improvement in its quality of education and behaviour and attitudes.

The report said: “The culture of safeguarding is very weak. The proprietor, who is also the headteacher and designated safeguarding lead, does not understand the relevant guidance well enough to keep pupils safe.

“Pupils, many of whom are managing complex challenges in their personal lives, do not get the help they need from the right professionals at the right time.

“The school provides specialist education for pupils with autism spectrum disorder. Many pupils have a positive experience. However, some pupils do not settle in well.

“Leaders do not do enough to adapt the provision to meet the needs of these pupils. Too many placements break down. When this happens, leaders terminate pupils’ placements.”

Inspectors said the safeguarding policy does not reflect the most recent guidance.

The report continued: “Some staff have been allowed to work with pupils without the required recruitment checks.

“Leaders do not have clear processes in place to enable allegations against staff to be dealt with consistently or to identify when advice should be sought.

“Staff have a good understanding of different risks and are vigilant. However, their concerns are not taken seriously enough.

“Leaders are reluctant to inform and involve safeguarding partners. They downplay the likelihood of pupils developing extreme views or becoming victims of child criminal exploitation.”

Inspectors, on what the school needs to do to improve, said leaders must fulfil the responsibility they have to share information about vulnerable pupils with safeguarding partners.

They said the proprietor must follow statutory guidance set out in ‘keeping children safe in education.

“Leaders underestimate the risks arising in pupils’ lives,” the report said.

“They fail to understand the potential significance of details in the safeguarding information they gather.

“Leaders do not share information proactively with safeguarding partners, such as the local authority.

“Consequently, pupils are not protected from developing risks. Leaders must ensure that immediate referral is made to the appropriate agency where there is evidence that a pupil is suffering, or might suffer, significant harm.”

Headteacher Bruno Davis said: “The school is really excited to continue its development journey and thanks Ofsted for the feedback.

“Although it's disappointing that the paperwork aspect challenged the school, we are delighted that the student progress and engagement with school is so clear in the report.

“Working in close partnership with BCP council and others, the school has made massive progress and BCP Safeguarding Team now rates its safeguarding as ‘good’.

“Offering a unique and progressive form of specialist education can be challenging but we couldn't do it without the overwhelming support of the parent community.”

The school are challenging aspects of the report, however have recognised concerns about the quality of safeguarding processes raised were valid.