Dawlish's Orchard Manor School for pupils with special needs is to join forces with an SEN partnership after being rated 'inadequate' in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The Ofsted inspectors found plenty to praise during their visit in January 2020, but flagged up concerns about safeguarding.

Their report said registration processes are not followed closely enough, meaning that at times staff don't know whether pupils have arrived at the school. They said the statutory guidelines on attendance records were not being followed, meaning attendance rates looked better than they actually were.

The inspectors also said the teaching of some subjects is not well planned to promote secure learning.

Since the inspection, Orchard Manor has been looking at ways to improve matters, and has now joined forces with the Cornwall-based Special Partnership Trust, who will act as a sponsor.

The Trust is a group of SEN schools who work together to develop best practice.

In a statement, the Trust said: "The Special Partnership Trust is delighted to have been announced as the Sponsor for Orchard Manor School.

"Orchard Manor will be joining a group of good and outstanding Special Schools, Area Resources Bases and Residential provision that provide a high quality offer for all pupils.

"Working as an integrated key partner, Orchard Manor will strengthen the offer and benefit from working with aspirational SEN professionals delivering educational and residential services for children with SEN."

The statement said Orchard Manor's Chair of Governors, Maggie Carter, and Executive Principal Mark Rose, have worked closely with the Regionals Schools Commissioners to help inform the identification of the right sponsor for Orchard Manor School, and are delighted that the Special Partnership Trust has been chosen.

Maggie Carter said: 'Residential special school experience, and aligned values and vision we felt were essential requirements within our future sponsor, Special Partnership Trust fulfilled all of these requirements.'

Guy Chappell, director of the Trust, said: "The Special Partnership Trust is looking forward to working with Orchard Manor, the community and existing partners to ensure that the school retains its important, valuable position within the local community and education network."