A school for children with learning difficulties has been severely criticised and branded ineffective by Ofsted inspectors in a damning report.

Lexden Springs School, in Halstead Road, Colchester, has been placed in special measures following the inspection in June.

The report said the quality of the educational provision and standards pupils achieve have declined significantly since its last inspection.

Inspectors said the school, which teaches 67 children aged between three and 19 who have severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, was poorly led and managed.

John Baker, acting headteacher of the school, said: "Lexden Springs is a caring school and the senior managers, teachers, support staff and governors are fully committed to the children and young people and will do everything possible to ensure the pupils have a quality education experience during their time here."

The report said achievement throughout the school was unsatisfactory, except in the foundation stage which was rated satisfactory.

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Published Thursday, September 16, 2004

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