SOCIAL care provision at Springfields Academy in Calne has dropped to inadequate following another Ofsted inspection of the school last week.

The full report of the three-day inspection has not yet been published but principal Jon Hamp has written to parents as the report will detail “significant shortfalls” in current practices.

It means that the academy’s social care provision has fallen since it missed two national minimum standards in March when it was given an adequate rating.

Despite the academy’s social care provision rated as inadequate, it remains, overall, an outstanding school, according to a school inspection by Ofsted.

However, this will come under severe scrutiny when the inspectors return to the school for children with complex learning, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties for a full inspection in the near future.

Mr Hamp, who only took on the role full-time in May, said: “We are obviously disappointed. It’s now our clear job and focus to turn this around. There’s a sense of disappointment across all staff and myself.

“I have communicated with parents and the local authority and apologised to parents. However, they will know all our energy is now channelled into action. We never lack passion or the ability to change. It was acknowledged that we need and deserve time to turn this around.”

Despite a turbulent two years at Springfields, including the dismissal of former head teacher Trystan Williams, the academy achieved its best ever Year 11 results this summer.

The school say they have already implemented “significant changes” since the inspection, which concluded last Thursday, including changes in staffing, rigour around record keeping, and changes around individual’s provision.

Springfields has also enlisted further support from external sources, including other outstanding-rated special schools, the local authority and the school’s improvement partner.

Mr Hamp remains convinced that he and his six-strong leadership team at the academy can turn the school around.

“It’s a verdict on the things we have not done, not on the changes that have occurred,” he added.

“We have been seen by Ofsted as a team strong enough to continue and turn this around. We have been given and sourced support to do this.

“Staff are now excited by the prospect of change. I remain confident in myself and the leadership team and we have the support of the governing body.”

Concerned parents will be able to speak to Mr Hamp and the senior leadership team at the next parents' forum meeting, which occurs once every term, on Tuesday.