A school for children with severe disabilities and profound learning difficulties is no longer ranked as good.

Ofsted has downgraded the Children’s Trust School, at Tadworth Court, to "requires improvement" following an inspection in December.

Its inspection report said school leaders, governors and trust members have failed to check the work of the school closely enough and teaching standards have slipped. The school’s system for recording and monitoring safeguarding incidents was also described as "too complicated and unwieldy".

Lead inspector Janet Pearce said: "The school has been operating in isolation and not enough has been done to sustain good teaching and learning or hold staff to account for the quality of their work.

"As a result, the school has declined in performance, and is no longer good."

But the report noted that interim headteacher, Pam Walden, has identified ways to improve the school and pupils are well behaved.

Ms Pearce said: "They are happy, enjoy being together and have good relationships with staff, who care for them well and ensure their safety."

In response to the report, Ms Walden said: "Naturally we are disappointed to have fallen short of the standards set by Ofsted and those we set for ourselves.

"Prior to the Ofsted inspection we identified areas within the school that needed improvement and many of our findings and recommendations are in line with those highlighted by Ofsted.

"We have already begun taking steps to address these issues as part of our plan for the future of the school, and are confident that the positive impact of these changes will be evidenced by staff and children over the coming months.

"We remain committed to meeting the needs of the children as an absolute priority."

The special school has 45 pupils, aged 3 to 19, with profound learning difficulties, disabilities and complex medical needs including life-limiting conditions. It is part of the Children's Trust charity.