AN independent school for pupils with statements of special educational needs has been told it requires improvement.

Essex Fresh Start, which has centres in Witham and Clacton, also caters for pupils with social, emotional or mental health needs or with an autism spectrum condition.

In August 2015 the school increased its pupil numbers from 96 to 130 and two of its original sites in Chelmsford and Harlow closed.

In a report published last week the school was told it had dropped from good to requires improvement after the inspection, which was as a result of a complaint.

The report said: “Leaders have not been diligent enough in double checking that the premises and accommodation meet the independent school standards.

“On the Witham site and the Clacton site inspectors found rooms with windows that would not open to provide enough ventilation, electrical goods that had been missed in the annual check, a damaged electrical socket, a fire extinguisher cabinet that had not been repaired, and hot and coldwater taps in a toilet that were plumbed in incorrectly.”

Inspectors found governors and leaders do not look at school procedures critically enough after a fire extinguisher box took too long to open and a decommissioned fire door was found to still have an exit sign over it.

Governors were also criticised for not having an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the quality of the school’s work and for not ensuring pupils have enough opportunities to self-regulate their behaviour.

The report said: “The school is not promoting an open culture by locking all areas of the school at all times during the school day.

“Pupils do not have enough opportunity to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

“Pupils acknowledge that the school keeps them safe but they resent the level of control imposed upon them.

“During the inspection, several pupils commented that they feel that their behaviour is controlled by always having adults in close proximity and having doors unlocked for them throughout the day.”

Inspectors found the outcomes for pupils, sixth form provision, and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment to be good.

The personal development, behaviour and welfare, and effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement.

The report also said teaching in music is particularly effective and inspires and engages pupils well.