CLIFFEY House School has been placed on special measures after Ofsted inspectors found aspects of its teaching and accommodation unsatisfactory.

The school, which is awaiting an overdue move from its Victorian building at The Rhydd, Hanley Castle, to purpose-built premises in Worcester, is taking a upbeat view of this new setback.

Deputy head David Bishop-Rowe said the inspectors had pointed out some strengths besides highlighting weaknesses already identified in the school's own development plan.

"There are a lot of positives we can build on, such as the very good support we are providing for children with autism and the good range of accredited courses for Key Stage IV and post-16, preparing pupils well for adult life," he said.

"Money has already been set aside to improve resources in English, maths and science. We have just employed five new members of staff."

Cliffey House, which caters for children with moderate learning difficulties, became a secondary school in September 1999 under the reorganisation of special education.

There are plans to build a new school at Merriman's Hill by September 2003. In the meantime, music and PE have to be taught in temporary buildings.

Lack of specialist provision for both PE and science was highlighted in the Ofsted report, which described the accommodation and aspects of teaching as "unsatisfactory."

Management and leadership were found to be satisfactory and the school's improvement plan was rated as "good."

Governors are working closely with headteacher Joyce Fletcher to raise the quality of education to a satisfactory level.

Chairman of governors Maurice Harford said they were hoping for a rapid recovery and had absolute confidence that Miss Fletcher would build a strong team spirit with high morale.

Miss Fletcher said: "I should like to reassure parents that we are committed to improving standards as quickly as possible."

Worcestershire education director Julien Kramer said he had the utmost confidence that the head and her team would make the necessary improvements.

"Cliffey House School is highly valued by the families it serves and we are committed to supporting the school and building on what is good here," he said.