Merseyside private school hit with lowest possible Ofsted rating

A recently opened private school in St Helen’s has been given the lowest possible Ofsted rating after inspectors found failings which “jeopardised student’s welfare”.

A.R.T.S education, which was originally based at the Huyton Roby Sea cadets building when it first opened in September but later moved to a former church on Ormskirk Road in Rainford, received the lowest possible rating in a report published earlier this month.

The independent special school, which caters for 13 children, was visited in January as part of a statutory inspection carried out within the first 12 month of an independent private school being opened.

Inspectors said they found students, many of whom have special educational needs, being let down by a “poor and “unclear” curriculum.

The report stated that leaders at the school lacked the skills and knowledge to manage it effectively and did not ensure standards for welfare, heath and safety were being met leading to staff and pupils being put at risk, for example through “unsafe practices” in the kitchen area.

Background checks were also not properly carried out on staff, according to the report, nor were staff members suitability for the roles in terms of knowledge and experience properly assessed.

The report added that students did not have access to an outside play area, a medical room or facilities for changing or showering.

Among other areas of concern noted was a lack of focus on reading, a lack of structured careers education and a personal development programme described as in its “infancy.”

The report said a lack of attendance by pupils was not properly being addressed with some students spending “large chunks of time” outside of lessons.

It concluded that the school was in breach of independent school standards in terms of quality of education, suitability of staff, its premises and the quality of leadership.

Responding to the inspection report, a spokesperson for A.R.T.S education said the school was “disappointed” at the findings.

The spokesperson said: “Naturally, everyone at the school is disappointed with the Ofsted report which was carried out only 14 weeks after the school was newly opened.

“School leaders, staff, parents and pupils have found many parts inaccurate and unfair in relation to a number of issues. We have sent the inspector a detailed rebuttal of some of the criticisms.

“We have had excellent reviews and monitoring checks carried out by several Local Authorities which illustrate a different picture of the School in a more positive vein.

“We consider that the School was still at an embryonic stage when the initial assessment was made and look forward to the next assessment to show our continuing improvements and progress being made.”

The A.R.T.S education spokesperson added that parents were supportive of the school and contacted Ofsted after the report’s publication to express that support.

The spokesperson said: “We will of course endeavour to comply with all the requirements but primarily we will seek to live our vision and ethos that meets the needs of the children we teach and care for and strive to make their educational experience one of the best in their lives.

“All our staff remain 100% committed to our pupils and are determined to continue to improve in order to provide the best possible education service for the children, who remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Ofsted was contacted for comment about the remarks made by A.R.T.S Education and a spokesperson said the inspection service “stand by our published report and have no further comment. “