A troubled private school is closing down.

Rudolf Steiner in Kings Langley failed its safeguarding inspection last year after it was found that stuff "put pupils at risk."

Terry Douris, cabinet member for education, said: “Hertfordshire County Council is sorry to learn that Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley will be closing and we appreciate that this must be an anxious time for all families.

"To this end, 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.

“We have assured them that there are currently sufficient school places in the locality to ensure a place for every child. However, while we will endeavour to accommodate preference, a place may not available at the nearest school or at their preferred school.

“We will do whatever possible to support families in the coming days and weeks.”

The Trustees sent an e-mail to parents informing them of the closure.

It said it made the decision after its extraordinary meeting this morning.

"A decision was taken to move towards a managed voluntary closure of the current educational setting,” it said.

“We foresee that the school is likely to be closed at the end of this summer term.

"The trustees have been newly elected and are currently reviewing options for education alternatives in September.

“Although the school will be closing we wish to emphasise that the community will live on and the new trustee board will seek to nourish and support this as much as possible.

“A variety of proposals have been put forward and we are actively exploring the options for a Waldorf educational setting in the future.

“We will provide further communications about this as soon as possible but wished to give a clear message as quickly as we could.”

The trustees say that the decision “balances the interest of pupils, parents and staff within the existing financial means of the school”.