A Merseyside specialist independent school which was given the lowest-possible Ofsted rating amid concerns over ‘unsafe practices’ and poor staff skills has turned its fortunes around.

ARTS Education in Ormskirk Road, Rainford, St Helens, is an independent school for young people with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) who find larger schools overwhelming.

Annual fees for its 20 pupils range from £42,500-£50,000.

However, in January 2023, an Ofsted inspection was carried out and inspectors raised concerns that children were being let down by a ‘poor’ and ‘unclear’ curriculum.

The report also stated that leaders lacked the skills and knowledge to manage the school effectively and did not ensure standards for welfare and 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.

And pupils did not have access to an outside play area, a medical room, or facilities for changing and showering.

But, in the two years since the damning report, operators have turned the school around, with a recent inspection rating it ‘good’ in all areas.

The report states: “The proprietor and governance of the school have acted swiftly and effectively to address the failings identified at the first standard inspection.

“They have transformed the school with a determination to improve and provide the very best for pupils.”