An independent residential special school has been rated as 'requires improvement' in a social care inspection report after not meeting five national minimum standards.

Inspectors from Ofsted found that the New Eccles Hall School, in Quidenham near Diss, did not meet the standards for residential special schools.

These standards are: suitable sleeping accommodation, adequate meals, a written policy on managing behaviour, a written record of complaints and a written agreement between the school and any person over 16 not employed by the school but living in the same premises.

The report said the school, which caters for young people with social and communication difficulties and associated behavioural difficulties, did not offer 'healthy food choices in the evening' and although accommodation is 'homely' risk assessments were not recorded.

At its previous inspection in September 2015, the school was also rated as 'requires improvement' but the report praised the school for working hard 'to address previously identified shortfalls'.

Rob Thornton, headteacher, said: 'We are committed to the national minimum standards for residential special schools and while we accept that there is still work to do, we are proud of our progress so far.'