A PRIVATE school is to close just weeks after an inquiry into standards was launched.

The Aberdeen Waldorf School, founded in 1977, blamed finances and "events over recent weeks" for the decision. In March, an investigation was launched by the Care Inspectorate after it received complaints about "staffing and the care of children" at the Waldorf School Kindergarten. Because concerns were also raised about the school, inspectors from Education Scotland were called in. Donald Phillips, chairman of the school council, said it was with "great regret" members had taken the decision to close the school between now and the end of the school year. He said: "The council took this very difficult decision after reviewing the school's current financial situation.

"We had planned to continue with our five-year plan to strengthen the financial status of the school."