THE former director of Downfield Sixth Form will attempt to rescue a school that has been ordered to close by the Government.

Tim Byford is appealing the decision to close Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, following increasingly poor Ofsted reports.

The latest report in May gave the school a rating of inadequate, sighting safeguarding as a real issue.

Lead inspector Philippa Darley said: "Leaders have underplayed and misrepresented the school's safeguarding failings to parents.

"On more than one occasion, they have publicly stated that the failure is simply one of 'record keeping'.

"They have also stated that 'no transgressions or wrongdoings were found to have taken place' and have implied that former parents, who expressed concerns have misrepresented the position.

"These messages are not supported by the inspection evidence."

The inspectors also found that the while the leader of safeguarding at the school was highly regarded by her colleagues her "understanding of safeguarding is not comprehensive".

Ms Darley said: "Records of pupils going off-site at lunchtime continue to be poorly kept. It is not always clear if pupils have returned to school. This poses a safeguarding risk."

The closeness between staff and students was also an issue for inspectors with a senior member of staff Dennis McCarthy being dismissed in January for gross misconduct.

"Professional boundaries between staff, parents and pupils are not maintained," said Ms Darley.

"Staff, including senior leaders, do not follow the school's own policies on social media access.

"Parents arrange for pupils to see their teachers, and former teachers, off the school site. This culture is unchanged, despite known serious safeguarding failings."

Despite the poor report, a statement on the Rudolf Steiner School's website from headteacher Tim Byford and chair of trustees Peter Harrington said they are fighting the decision to shut the school.

The statement read: "While recognising the work to be done, the school feels that in the context of improvements made and the steps being put into place, de-registration of the school would be disproportionate and detrimental to the community.

"It is hoped that the school will be permitted the chance to demonstrate how it can and will meet and subsequently exceed all Independent School Standards, supported by strongly committed parents and a supportive community.

"The trustees and principal of the school are confident that the school can and will move forward and thrive, with the continued support of parents, staff and others."