A SPECIAL school for older children has been downgraded from an Ofsted rating of 'good' to 'requires improvement'.

Chilworth House Upper School in Wheatley was inspected in July, and a report published by the regulator on Monday said all four core categories of assessment needed improvement.

The 78-pupil independent school teaches pupils aged 10-18 with social, emotional and mental health needs.

It is the sister school to Chilworth House School, which teaches younger children and is rated 'good' by Ofsted.

The new report for the upper school said: "Historical weaknesses in teaching mean that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge and understanding.

"A number of staff changes during the past year have hindered the senior leadership team’s work to secure consistently effective teaching."

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However, Ofsted said pupils feel safe and the safeguarding lead is 'highly knowledgeable'.

The report added: "The headteacher has tackled an element of weak teaching with urgency and determination, since her appointment [in October].

"Senior leaders have high aspirations for the school’s future and are keen to move the school forward."

It added that the school provides a 'broad and balanced curriculum' and subject leaders are 'passionate'.

Inspectors described pupils' behaviour as 'generally good,' adding: "Most pupils behave well during unstructured times of the school day, such as playtimes and lunchtimes.

"Adults respond calmly and professionally to any incidents of misbehaviour, including when the use of physical intervention is required."

It had previously been rated 'good' in 2016.