Acting headteacher has contacted parents to explain why the school closed its doors days before the end of term
LIPA School was closed with immediate effect on Thursday
The reasons behind the sudden emergency closure of a Liverpool city centre school have been revealed. On Thursday evening the ECHO reported that a decision had been taken to close the LIPA School in Upper Duke Street with immediate effect.
The decision caused shock among parents, some of whom were not aware until they headed to the school gates this morning, only to be turned away. LIPA school – which includes a primary and secondary provision – was recently the subject of a scathing Ofsted inspection report which plunged it into special measures. As part of this report, inspectors said that the school’s safeguarding policies were not effective.
This prompted the school to contact School Improvement Liverpool – a council-linked body that works to improve schools in the city – who carried out a review this week.
In a new update to parents, LIPA School’s acting headteacher Clair McKendrick has explained the issues raised in that review which led to the sudden decision to close the school several days before the end of term.
In the letter, seen by the ECHO, Ms McKendrick said she understood that an initial email sent on Thursday evening did not provide “necessary transparency” and apologised for the “undue stress and anxiety around the school”.
Detailing the reasons for the closure decision, Ms McKendrick said: “As you are aware, safeguarding was judged ineffective in our recent Ofsted report.” She said the school then took “decisive action” to invite the local authority in to carry out a safeguarding review on Tuesday of this week.
She added: “We also carried out a fire evacuation drill yesterday. Following this, it has become apparent that our buildings require some adjustments to ensure the absolute safety of all students.
“As these adjustments are not overnight fixes, we had to close the buildings until these improvements have been made. The safety of our pupils has to be our number one priority. This is in relation to regulations and fire evacuation.”
The notice adds: “We understand that the end of the school year is a big deal for children who will not see their friends over the six week break or who have not had the chance to say goodbye to their teachers.” She said as such, plans are being made for the school community to come together next week, adding: “This is especially important to us given the difficult year we have had as a school community.”
Charles Bartholomew has resigned as the CEO of the crisis-hit LIPA Multi-Academy Trust which runs LIPA School
After clarifying that school reports will be distributed in the coming days and weeks, Ms McKendrick added: “As always, thank you for your continued support. Please be assured that we continue to do all we can to make the necessary improvements to the school that we know our pupils deserve.”
Earlier today, the ECHO revealed that Charles Bartholomew, who was brought in around six weeks ago as chair of the trust which runs the school, had resigned from his position.
A notice from Mr Bartholomew was also sent to parents, explaining his decision to resign as chair of the trust which runs the school. He wrote: “Yesterday lunchtime I informed the chair of trustees for the LIPA Multi Academy Trust that I wished to stand down from the role of LIPA MAT CEO.
“I will continue in my other role as principal of the LIPA Sixth Form College before taking my long-planned retirement on August 31.
“In the last six weeks since I took on this role we have taken significant steps to move the LIPA MAT forward. However, my health and family are my priority, which has led me to the difficult decision to stand down.”
He added: “I have greatly enjoyed working with new colleagues at the school and have been incredibly impressed by their deep commitment to providing a high quality educational experience for their pupils. I am aware that holidays have started earlier this year and I wish all our pupils, parents, carers and staff well for the summer break.”
A statement from the trust itself, released to the ECHO last night said: “We can confirm LIPA School will be closed for the last four days of term. We regret the inconvenience this will cause to parents and pupils, however this decision was made for the safety of pupils and staff which must take top priority.”
A statement from School Improvement Liverpool (SIL) added: “SIL can confirm we are supporting LIPA School and Multi-Academy Trust. We refer you to the statement from the LIPA Multi Academy Trust spokesperson that confirms LIPA School will be closed for the last four days of term and that this decision was made for the safety of pupils and staff. Further communications and updates will be issued directly by the Trust.”