The Curious Lounge C.I.C. (trading as The Curious Academy)

The Curious Lounge C.I.C (trading as the Curious Academy) Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Sara Woodward, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

1 st Floor Pinnacle 20 Tudor Road Reading RG1 1NH Monitoring visit: The Curious Lounge, 30 October 2024

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Context and focus of visit

The Curious Lounge is an independent learning provider based in Reading, Berkshire. It offers Skills Bootcamps in data analytics and digital marketing to unemployed adults or self-employed people aiming to develop their businesses. At the time of the monitoring visit, 24 students were studying data analytics and 16 students were studying digital marketing.

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Context and focus of visit

At the previous monitoring visit in July 2024, inspectors judged safeguarding arrangements to be generally appropriate. However, the Curious Lounge was not meeting its responsibilities in relation to the ‘Prevent’ duty.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have taken effective actions to strengthen safeguarding arrangements. They have developed a suitable ‘Prevent’ duty risk assessment to identify and mitigate the potential dangers of radicalisation and extremism. They have established productive links with the local council and regional ‘Prevent’ coordinators. Through these partnerships, leaders receive timely information and guidance about national, regional and local threats. For example, they have provided useful advice and support to students about right-wing extremist activity in the area. Consequently, leaders help keep students safe from these risks.

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Reasonable progress

Trainers make sure that students have a secure understanding of the dangers associated with radicalisation and extremism. For instance, students can explain how misinformation online can influence and manipulate others towards extremist views. Trainers help them to identify the warning signs in those who may be at risk of radicalisation, such as changes in behaviour and withdrawal from friendships. Students know how to report any concerns should they need to. They know how to protect themselves and others from these risks effectively. Monitoring visit: The Curious Lounge, 30 October 2024 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher

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Reasonable progress

training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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