Overview of the Situation at Columbus School and College
Columbus School and College, a special needs institution located in Chelmsford, Essex, has recently faced significant scrutiny following an Ofsted inspection that raised serious concerns about the safety and education of its students. The report highlighted that children at the school are “vulnerable to harmful sexual behaviours,” prompting immediate action from the school’s leadership.
The inspection, conducted in May, revealed a range of issues, including inadequate safeguarding measures and a lack of proper training for staff. This has led to a decline in the quality of education provided to pupils, with some not accessing the full curriculum, particularly in areas such as relationships and sex education (RSE). The school, which serves 289 students with special education needs or disabilities (SEND), has been rated as “inadequate” in several key areas, despite being previously rated as “good.”
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Staff Turnover and Impact on Education Quality
One of the main factors contributing to the current situation is high staff turnover, which has created a “turbulent time” for the school. This instability has resulted in a decrease in the quality of education, with some pupils not receiving the full curriculum. Sixth form students, in particular, have been identified as not receiving the quality of education they deserve, with some feeling unsettled due to frequent staff changes.
Ofsted inspectors noted that the school’s sixth form and its leadership were rated as “inadequate,” while other areas required improvement. A significant concern raised in the report was the lack of knowledge among staff regarding potential harm and the need for specific training. This has led to pupil behaviours that could cause “wide concern,” as staff struggle to manage these issues effectively.
Safeguarding Concerns and Pupil Well-Being
The report emphasized that the school’s safeguarding culture is negatively impacted by the lack of trained staff. Inspectors found that staff do not teach all aspects of personal, social, health, and economic (PHSE) education or RSE, leaving pupils unprepared for adult life and unaware of safe behaviours. This has resulted in some students not receiving statutory relationships and sex education, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledged that when fully supported by trained staff, pupils can be calm, engaged in lessons, and happy. However, the current situation sees trained staff “spread thinly,” with some feeling their concerns are not adequately addressed. Additionally, some staff members have not properly recorded medicine details, raising further concerns about the school’s management.
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Parental and Staff Confidence in Decline
The report also highlighted that both parents and staff are losing confidence in the school and the Lift Schools Trust. All aspects of Columbus School have declined since the previous year, with safeguarding procedures deemed “not effective.” Inspectors pointed out that staff lack knowledge of risks such as harmful sexual behaviours and that there is a lack of professional curiosity when reporting incidents. This has led to risky behaviours not being reported as safeguarding concerns or escalated quickly enough, leaving pupils and staff at risk of harm.
Response from the School Trust
In response to the report, Lift Schools, the trust managing Columbus School and College, has expressed deep regret over the failings and has implemented an action plan to address them. The headteacher, Mark Savage, has been dismissed, and concerns have been reported to the appropriate authorities. The trust has introduced intensive safeguarding and pupil-specific care training, reduced reliance on agency staff, and filled new permanent positions. They have also refreshed the curriculum around PSHE and RSE and improved family communications.
Commitment to Improvement
A spokesperson for the trust stated: “We are absolutely clear: this is not where any of us want Columbus to be. We are deeply sorry. Everyone at Columbus and across Lift Schools is fully committed to putting things right.” The trust has concluded a formal investigation into the serious safeguarding concerns raised during and after the inspection, leading to the dismissal of the principal and the formal reporting of concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The trust is determined to restore trust with families and has introduced a Parent Advocate to ensure that family voices are heard. Drop-in sessions will be held for families to discuss the Ofsted report and the school’s response. The commitment to delivering high standards of education and care remains unwavering, with the trust acknowledging the scale of the work ahead but beginning to see early signs of progress.
