A private school facing closure has issued a statement saying it will still be open for the autumn term but that parents may have to “develop longer term options” by next year.

The Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley announced its plans to close earlier this month having failed a safeguarding inspection last year that found staff “put pupils at risk”. 

At the time, trustees of the private school issued an email to parents informing them of the plans for a “managed voluntary closure” and the cabinet member for education at Hertfordshire County Council, Cllr Terry Douris, said: “We appreciate that this must be an anxious time for all families.

“We have provided the school with a letter for all parents and carers to offer assistance in finding an alternative state-funded school place in Hertfordshire for all those who require one.”

At the time of his statement, Mr Douris also said that “currently” there are sufficient places for every child, but that a space may not be available at the “nearest or preferred school”. 

A spokesperson for the Langley Hill-based school said today that the “intention” is for the school to remain open in September for the duration of the term until the end of December, but that parents may have to look elsewhere in January 2019.

He added: “We believe this timetable will give families and staff the time they need to develop their longer term options. 

“For parents, this may mean co-ordinating with other Steiner schools for places for children from January 2019, while we will provide support for staff for their next career step.

“There are still some details to be agreed this week before we can confirm this timing, including insurance, enrolment and tuition cost. The trustees are continuing to progress these issues and we will provide further detail later this week.

“We continue to be grateful to all parties for their ongoing patience, understanding and support at this time.”

The trustees for the school said they are “committed to ensuring the very best educational experience for the students”. 

Tuition fees for the school range from £5,577 a year for kindergarten, to £9,857 a year for the older students.