Setting

Ms Jane Smith, Headteacher Mr Gary Gwinnell-Smith, Executive Headteacher Southampton PRU The Melbourne Centre 18 Melbourne Street Chapel Southampton SO14 5FB

p.1

inspection of Southampton PRU, The Melbourne Centre

Following my unannounced inspection to your school on 4 November 2009, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to confirm the inspection findings.

p.1

Context

The senior leader (Ms Smith) who took up her post two days prior to the first monitoring inspection has been appointed as the substantive headteacher, with immediate effect from 1 November 2009. The temporary headteacher, Mr Gwinnell- Smith, will serve as an Executive Headteacher in support of the new headteacher for three days a week. He is expected to leave this post in December. The head of The Melbourne Centre was new to post on 1 September 2009 but has since been absent through illness. The head of centre returned to work two days before this unannounced inspection took place.

p.1

Context

As a result of the first monitoring inspection on 5 October 2009, and as a matter of urgency, the school was asked to ensure that requirements for safeguarding are fully met and are in accordance with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) guidance ‘ Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’.

p.1

Context

In particular the school was asked to put in place a single central record showing enhanced criminal record bureau checks for all staff, provide all staff with appropriate child protection training, and carry out health and safety risk assessments on all parts of the premises. Tribal Group 1-4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR T 08456 40 40 40 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Page 2 Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time the school has failed to eliminate the weaknesses in safeguarding, and serious concerns remain about the school’s arrangements for ensuring the safety and welfare of its students. The school has been advised in detail about the failings and has been asked to remedy these as a matter of extreme urgency.

p.1

Context

A letter will be sent to the chair of the management committee and local authority, copied to the DCSF, informing them that the school has failed to eliminate the weaknesses in safeguarding. The school will be subject to a further unannounced monitoring visit.

p.2

Context

This letter will be posted on the Ofsted website.

p.2

Context

I am copying this letter to the Secretary of State, the chair of the management committee and the Executive Director for Children’s Services and Learning for Southampton City Council.

p.2