INSPECTORS have praised an independent school for children with learning and or behavioural difficulties as “effective”, dismissing concerns that triggered an emergency inspection.

Chesham House, in Thrush Drive, was subject to an inspection last month after the registration authority for independent schools received a complaint about the quality of education, the welfare of students, and leadership and management.

A report published last week said there was no evidence found to substantiate the concerns, though inspectors did find several unmet standards during the unannounced visit.

A spokesman for the Cambian Group, which operates the school, said: “Cambian were pleased with the latest Ofsted report, as with all our services we seek to further improve our standards through developing a clear action plan post inspection.

“This has been done and matters raised have already been addressed in time for the new school year in September.”

The school, which meets the needs of up to eight male and female pupils aged between 10 and 18, was given a ‘good’ rating during its last full inspection in June 2014.

Last week’s report said that staff had a good knowledge of students and used a variety of teaching and learning approaches, with case study files for individual students showing “clear evidence of increased engagement and learning.”

It added: "Students' work and conversation with students indicate that the education they receive helps them to learn."

However, it also criticised the school for housing its sick room on the first floor, meaning unwell students have to climb up or down a flight of stairs, and for fire safety issues – which were resolved the day after the inspection.

Some students are resident in the children’s home which shares the building with the school, while others travel from other children’s homes in the Cambian group

The majority of pupils who attend have a statement of special educational needs for their behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.