The school takes children with learning and behavioural problems

Norfolk Social Services department has been carrying out inquiries at Banham Marshalls College near Diss following an inspection in January by the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC).

The NCSC had become "concerned that some practices were not appropriate" at the school which caters for 113 children from six to 16 with a range of special educational needs.

With the inquiry under way, six people were suspended, a new team took over running the school and in May parents were told ownership had been transferred to Coxlease School in Hampshire.

All these things are just creating such stress for the families. Parent Sue Kuzmic

But this week Coxlease School confirmed it was no longer involved in the management of the college and had instructed its solicitors to cancel the agreement to buy Banham Marshalls.

The principal who is now taking over the running of the school, Jan McLean, was introduced to staff on Thursday.

She has turned down BBC requests for an interview but is understood to be writing to parents to tell them about the changeover and to try to reassure them about the future.

Sue Kuzmic's 10-year-old son Sam, who has Asperger's Syndrome, is a pupil at the school.

She said the turmoil was having an affect on the children.

" All these things are just creating such stress for the families.

"We can't tell Sam what is happening in September because we don't know.

"The one thing these children don't like is not knowing where they are going to be.

Urgent clarification

"They don't like not knowing where they are going in September," she said.

Norfolk County Council, which withdrew 38 pupils when the inquiry began, said it was seeking urgent clarification of what the latest development meant for the school.

"As soon as we have the details, we will let parents know immediately," said a spokesman.

"Our priority remains the same: the safety and welfare of children comes first and foremost.

"Given the uncertainty at the college over the last six months, we have already put in place alternative arrangement for September 2003 for the Norfolk pupils who remain on the roll of the college."