An emergency inspection at a school has revealed procedures for safeguarding its pupils are not being met.

The Department for Education ordered the inspection of Kings Langley Steiner School following concerns raised about pupils’ safety and the management of the school.

The independent day school in Langley Hill teaches 368 girls and boys aged three to 19 years.

Inspector Jane Cooper from the Schools Inspection Service said in her report that a number of changes at the school have had a negative impact on the management of safeguarding.

She said three teachers who held the key posts of education facilitator, designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy DSL have recently given up their roles, which has highlighted the “ineffectiveness” of the current structure.

Children are at risk due to leaders not being clear enough about the interpretation of safeguarding requirements.

An unannounced inspection of the school took place on March 8.

The school, which is governed by trustees, was praised for presenting an orderly learning environment in which the pupils attend classes and are purposefully engaged in lessons and other activities.

But the school was told it has to improve management so that those with leadership and management responsibilities in the school are able to fulfil them effectively.

The school's spokesman Christopher Triplett said: “We are in the process of implementing a comprehensive management plan to address the issues raised in the report.

“As the inspectors noted in the report, the school has moved swiftly and effectively to ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) roles are covered by fully qualified members of staff.

“We are confident in our safeguarding policies. As always, ensuring a safe environment for the children is our highest priority, along with providing the quality education that Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley has offered for over 66 years.”

The report added that current management arrangements are not good enough to make sure individuals are held to account for their performance.

Five months ago the school was visited by the education watchdog following complaints from parents.

During that inspection, inspectors found many of the risk assessments were out of date and that some were no longer applicable.

In December last year, a teacher was suspended from the school following reports of inappropriate behaviour.

The school completed a full investigation and the teacher was reinstated in their position at the school.