A FLINTSHIRE school has vowed to act immediately, after the "disappointing" findings of its recent inspection.

The Haven, in Mold, an independent day school which delivers specialist provision for 11 to 19-year-olds with autism, was visited by Estyn inspectors in May this year.

Several areas of concern were highlighted, including standards not met regarding the welfare, health and safety of pupils, of which there were 10 on roll at the time of the visit.

They noted that all staff at the school, owned and managed by the charity Autism Initiatives, "engaged positively with the inspection team and co-operated fully with the inspection process".

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Adding that "the proprietor ensured relevant representatives from the wider organisation, with particular focus on health and safety and safeguarding, were on site during the inspection to assist the inspection team and support the staff team where necessary".

Areas for development noted by inspectors to strengthen safeguarding procedures at the school, leaders and staff included:

• all staff understand how to report safeguarding concerns

• safeguarding training is regular, effective and specific to the particular context of the school so all members of staff, including supply staff, are clear and confident in their roles and responsibilities

• a detailed record is kept of all safeguarding training and this is monitored regularly to ensure staff training remains up to date

Recommendations were also made regarding the need for the school to strengthen its approaches to managing incidents of challenging behaviour and bullying.

Inspectors observed The Haven is currently using part of the school as a sensory room which has not previously been registered for educational purposes, and said leaders should request a material change from Welsh Government and immediately cease using this building for education.

They also added the school should ensure it has "effective security arrangements for the grounds and building".

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The report stated: "These shortcomings mean that the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff is inadequate and a cause for concern.

"Given the areas of non-compliance with the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2024, the Welsh Government may wish to recommend formally to the school that it should not accept new pupils at the school until these matters have been addressed."

Headteacher Karen Burt, who has been in post since January 2019, said: "The Estyn inspection of May 2024 was a focussed inspection resulting in some requirements for change.

"We take the contents of the report and its recommendations seriously and see this as an opportunity for further improvement.

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"We have begun work immediately on actions required; the safety and wellbeing of the young people at the school is always our priority.

"Our aspiration is to understand each autistic young person and support them in their preparation for a successful life as an adult, and we continue to work closely with parents and stakeholders."

A statement from Autism Initiatives added: "Everyone involved in the school is disappointed with the recent Estyn judgement, as the school was fully compliant with the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2024 when it received an annual monitoring visit in June 2023."