A SCHOOLS watchdog has found ’serious safeguarding issues’ at holiday centres run by children’s outdoor education giant PGL, including alleged substance misuse by staff.

Registrations regarding under-eights childcare at four centres operated by the Ross-on-Wye based company have been suspended as a result of Ofsted inpections over half-term, with other agencies now investigating some of the concerns raised.

An Ofsted spokesperson said last Thursday: "This week we undertook inspections of five PGL centres providing Ofsted-registered care and activities â?¯fo râ?¯unaccompanied children on half-term holidays.â?¯

"Having found serious â?¯safeguarding issues at four of these sites, we have taken the â?¯decision to immediately suspend each of the four registrations.

"Some of the concerns identified are being investigated by other agencies and we are unable to provide specific details at this stage.

"But we can advise that they include environmental health concerns, health and safety issues, and the conduct of staff - including substance misuseâ?¦

"We recognise the impact this decision will have on many families. PGL has a duty to inform affected parents urgently, and we have requested contact details in order to do the same."

The Ofsted spokesperson added that the watchdog is only able to inspect PGL’s registered childcare provision in England, and does not have any power to inspect or regulate the other activities that PGL runs for children who are accompanied by their schools or parents.

The settings that have had their registration suspended are Liddington in Wiltshire; Marchants Hill in Surrey; Osmington Bay in Dorset; and Windmill Hill in East Sussex

According to the i newspaper, the substance misuse involves one person being allegedly under the influence of so-called zombie drug Spice.

A spokesperson for PGL said: "There is an ongoing investigation into allegations regarding substance abuse by one staff member at one site.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on the case until the investigation is complete. It goes without saying that PGL operates a zero-tolerance policy."

PGL, which is based at Alton Court in Penyard Lane, Ross-on-Wye, provides â?¯residential breaks and activity holidays for children aged seven to 17, and operates from centres across the UK and France.

The PGL spokesperson added: "Ofsted’s recent reports have highlighted potential risks arising from isolated administrative and procedural shortcomings at four sites.

"Over the next six weeks while the specific service that is regulated by Ofsted does not in any event operate, we will be working with Ofsted to fully understand and address their concerns.

"We are passionate about delivering high quality, inspiring learning experiences that change young people’s lives."

The Ofsted reports relate to the provision of childcare to unaccompanied children under eight.

PGL was founded by Peter Gordon Lawrence in 1957, and has hosted more than three million children and young people.

A year ago, it announced it was cutting 670 jobs - a quarter of its workforce - including 34 at its Ross-on-Wye headquarters, owing to the effects of the pandemic.