An independent special school has been told it requires improvement by Ofsted.

An inspection found the Yellow House School, with sites in Sible Hedingham and Clare, had not been diligent enough when checking premises met independent school standards.

Inspectors found the school posed several hazards, including a scalding risk from hot water in the girls’ toilets where fabric hand towels had not changed for several days.

The report said: “At the Sible Hedingham site, worn carpets and trip hazards were also present. Leaders do not systematically monitor standards of teaching, learning and assessment in the school.

“The proprietor and director do not have an accurate understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards or the current Ofsted inspection framework.

“They have not fully engaged in the systematic monitoring of all aspects of school provision.”

The school, which charges between £55,087 and £56,184 a year, was also criticised for its informal monitoring processes which were not thorough enough to identify how progress could be made.

Minutes of staff meetings attended by the director and proprietor also indicated school leaders are not challenged sufficiently.

But the school was rated good in three out of four areas – quality of teaching, learning and management; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for pupils.

The report added: “The proportion of pupils who progress onto college, apprenticeships or employment is high and they do so at an appropriate level.

“From challenging starting points, pupils are supported to make accelerated progress so they can achieve a range of qualifications.

“Parents speak positively about the behaviour of their children since coming to the school, stating that family life had been transformed.”

Proprietor and director Debbie Pester said: “The Ofsted report on our recent inspection highlights many good features of our school, that it transforms the life chances of almost all pupils and that we provide a nurturing environment and unwavering care.

“After almost a year without a head in post we expected management and leadership would require improvement, but with the appointment of David Ollier, our new energetic and dynamic head, we are already well on the way to fixing this, the inspector says he is a positive influence for change.”