Lancashire pupil referral unit branded ‘inadequate’

A pupil referral unit which caters for children excluded from mainstream schools has been placed into special measures after being branded “inadequate” by Ofsted inspectors.
INADEQUATE: The Chadwick CentreINADEQUATE: The Chadwick Centre
INADEQUATE: The Chadwick Centre

The Chadwick Centre and Medical School, which is based in the grounds of the former Skerton High School, serves mainstream schools in Garstang, Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth.

Its students are aged 11-16 and are admitted for a variety of reasons, often because they have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from their schools. In September 2012, the Lancashire Education Medical Service’s provision for students unable to attend a mainstream school because of their medical needs was merged with the Chadwick Centre.

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Leadership and management, the behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and achievement of the school’s 74 pupils were all found to be inadequate by inspectors visiting in April.

The overall effectiveness of the school has declined since the last inspection rated it as good in 2011. The school will now receive regular monitoring by Ofsted inspectors.

Debbie Ormerod, chair of governors at the Chadwick Centre and Medical School, said: “Although the Ofsted report was very disappointing, the inspectors did identify a number of our strengths, including the broad range of work and activities we provide, and our work-related learning.

“The suggestions made by Ofsted are helpful, clear and manageable and improvements have already started where they are needed.”