A school has been forced to stop public access to its facilities, because of fears about pupil safety.

Penhurst School, a residential school for 20 children with severe disabilities, has for many years allowed people to lease facilities such as the main hall and the hydrotherapy pool.

But, in recent years, the number of people using the school, in New Street, Chipping Norton, has increased, causing management problems.

The difficulties were highlighted in a school inspector's report last month, and the school has decided to limit hiring out its facilities to people with special needs.

Headteacher Richard Aird said: "The school will continue to offer some specialist letting, such as the hydrotherapy pool, to people with physical complaints, such as the elderly, injured, and disabled, who might need hydrotherapy.

"We hope that Penhurst can still offer a service to the community without compromising the safe care of its pupils."

He added: "We have to abide by care standards regulations, and must take into account the stranger danger factor.

"The school inspector told us the number of people on campus was too great and we have had to minimise the public letting.

"Penhurst is very keen to be a key part of the community, but we must honour our care standards."

The school specialises in the care, treatment, and education of profoundly disabled young people.

It is one of the largest employers in the area, and costs £1.5m a year to run.

The school is funded by local authorities and the NCH.

Mr Aird, who took over as headteacher in January, was given the task of making Penhurst a role model for other special schools.

He said at the time: "Special schools shouldn't just concentrate on National Curriculum subjects, but should bring the true needs of disabled children to the fore."