SERIOUS safeguarding issues have been found at a Herefordshire firm's adventure holiday centres for children, including substance misuse by staff.

Ofsted said it found the serious at four centres run by PGL, based in Ross-on-Wye, and their registrations had been suspended immediately.

The inspectorate visited five centres providing Ofsted-registered care and activities for unaccompanied children on half-term holidays this week.

"Having found serious safeguarding issues at four of these sites, we have taken the decision to immediately suspend each of the four registrations," an Ofsted spokesperson said.

Some of the concerns identified are being investigated by other agencies and Ofsted said it was unable to provide specific details at this stage.

But it said matters included environmental health concerns, health and safety issues, and the conduct of staff – including substance misuse.

PGL, which provides residential breaks and activity holidays for children aged seven to 17, is based at Alton Court in Penyard Lane, near Ross-on-Wye.

It rusn centres across the UK and France, but Ofsted is only able to inspect the registered childcare provision in England.

It 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, with the company also providing residential school trips.

The centres which have had their registration suspended are Liddington in Wiltshire, Surrey's Marchants Hill, Osmington Bay in Dorset and Windmill Hill in East Sussex.

"We recognise the impact this decision will have on many families," the Ofsted spokesperson said.

"PGL has a duty to inform affected parents urgently, and we have requested contact details in order to do the same."

A PGL spokesperson said the firm was committed to the highest operational standards.

"Ofsted’s recent reports have highlighted potential risks arising from isolated administrative and procedural shortcomings at four sites," they said.

"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."