A residential home for young people with autism and learning disabilities owned by August Equity has been temporarily closed in the wake of an Ofsted report which rated it Inadequate across all assessment criteria.

Inspectors at Orbis Abbey Rose in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire found serious failures in delivery of appropriate care and deemed residents to be at “significant risk of harm”.

The Ofsted report found that violence was common and some residents were smeared with faeces at the time of inspection. Poor nutrition was another feature, with staff making regular trips to fast food outlets to feed the young people. One resident was said to consume 122 chicken nuggets and 14 litres of fizzy drink a week.

Regarding educational standards, Ofsted concluded: “The quality of education is poor. Expectations are too low. Too few pupils make enough gains to prepare them well for life beyond school. Leaders have not met pupils’ needs as set out in their education, health and care plans. As a result, some opt out of their lessons.” 

Inspectors pointed to systemic failings and poor leadership at the recently-opened unit which is operated by Orbis Education and Care.

“Less than a year after opening, some parents have a positive view of the school. However, there are systemic weaknesses. Leaders have not ensured that pupils are safe. The curriculum is not designed to meet the needs of pupils at the school. There is too little attention paid to pupils’ personal development,” they said.

A spokesperson for Orbis Education and Care it was taking “swift action” to address the shortcomings highlighted by the inspection.

“Following a recent Ofsted inspection in November 2019, we can confirm that Ofsted has temporarily suspended the residential children’s home,” said the spokesperson. “The day school remains unaffected,”

“This is clearly a concerning matter for us and we have taken swift action to make alternate care arrangements for all of our young people during this temporary suspension.

“Since the initial inspection we have been working closely with Ofsted to address its concerns and have put a robust improvement plan in place. Following a monitoring visit this week, Ofsted has acknowledged the progress we have made over the past few weeks. We will continue to work closely with Ofsted, the local authorities and families as we implement the improvement plan.”