A special school in Telford has been placed in “special measures” after Ofsted inspectors recorded a catalogue of problems including unruly behaviour, reports of bullying and staff struggling to cope.Southall School, off Rowan Avenue, Dawley, for children with learning difficulties, was branded “ineffective” in its latest Ofsted report and special measures were urged.

Inspectors said it was failing to give pupils an acceptable standard of education. Telford & Wrekin Council, working with the school, has now produced an action plan to tackle the problems.

Head teacher Alistair Bates said: “Senior staff have already put plans into action to address the matters raised by Ofsted and we will continue to work closely with the local authority.

“There is an extremely strong sense of commitment from the whole school community to continue to raise standards.”

The school, which has 147 pupils, faced upheaval when changing from an all-age school to a secondary school in 2006. Inspectors said staff found the transition difficult and stressful and there was a staffing reduction.

More children with autistic spectrum disorders and severe learning difficulties have been enrolled at the school, as well as a “small, but significant” number of pupils with emotional, social and behaviour difficulties.

The report states: “Staff have struggled to continue to meet the needs of pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders, who are taught alongside emotionally troubled pupils.”

Many parents who completed an inspection questionnaire had concerns about the curriculum and behaviour of some pupils.

The report says: “Although most pupils know how to ask for help, many pupils spoke of ‘being bullied’ and the impact ‘bad behaviour in lessons’ has on their learning.”

The report did however recognise that pupils receive lots of pastoral care, good careers guidance and help when worried.

One parent, whose child will start at the school in September, said: “I’m horrified about it but there’s no other school for my child to go to.”

Chairman of governors Susan Harris said they would act on the recommendation they be more involved in monitoring of the school.

By Lizzie Yates