The ECHO has reported extensively on the problems at the school – with parents now worried about what a new structure will mean for their kids
LIPA School in Liverpool city centre
Some parents of children at a troubled Liverpool school have expressed concerns at a major change to how classes are organised. The ECHO has reported extensively on the problems at LIPA School in recent months.
This included a damning Ofsted in July, which plunged the city centre school into special measures and said many children attending felt ‘scared and threatened.’ A few weeks later the school – which includes primary and secondary provision – shut down suddenly after a separate inspection found concerning safety issues.
A day after the sudden closure, the chief executive of the multi-academy trust that runs LIPA School – Charles Bartholomew – resigned his position after just a few weeks in the job.
The Upper Duke Street school, which has also received a termination warning notice from Ofsted, reopened for the new term in September after a number of changes were made, including bringing in new trustees to help run the troubled establishment.
But part-way through the new term, parents have told the ECHO they are concerned at a sudden and major change in how classes are being organised.
A letter – seen by this newspaper – was sent home with LIPA primary pupils on Monday, explaining that a new structure of mixed-age classes will be brought in after half-term.
The letter states: “We are writing to share some important updates to our school structure that will take effect after the half-term break. These changes are designed to enhance learning, strengthen relationships and ensure every child receives the best possible support.
“From next term, we will be introducing mixed-age classes across Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2. This means three mixed year 1/Year 2 classes and three mixed year 3/4 classes.
“Reception, year 5 and year 6 classes will remain unchanged, although the school said it will re-set year 6 pupils based on SATs data to ensure targeted support and challenge.”
The notice adds: “A mixed-age class is defined to be a class in which there are children from more than one year group of the primary school. On occasions, where pupil numbers and class size restrictions dictate, year groups will be split between classes. The expertise of the staff is used to ensure your child is placed in a class with their best interests in mind.”
Explaining the rationale for the change, the school notice said that “Mixed age teaching is a well-established and research-supported approach that offers a wide range of benefits – including personalised learning, shared planning and preparation.”
LIPA School bosses said class teachers have been working together to identify which teachers are in which class. The notice added: “When making this decision, we have ensured pupils are in a class where we feel they learn best.”
The statement added: “However, please rest assured that we have also taken friendships and social interactions into account. No child will be moved into a group without somebody they feel comfortable. Pupils will bring home a letter stating what class they are in and the teacher they will have.
“We understand this is a big change for our school but it is one that we are excited about. In response to our Ofsted report, we have an exciting curriculum that ensures all pupils are academically and emotionally ready for the next phase of their education.”
But the change has not gone down well with all of those affected. One parent contacted the ECHO to say they are deeply concerned with the changes and the manner in how they are being brought in.
The parent said: “This decision comes after the school year already started and was made without consulting families. Many parents and children are very unhappy about this sudden change.
“Children have already settled into their new classes and built friendships and this restructuring will disturb those relationships and the stability they need.”
The parent added: “We believe families should have been consulted before such a significant change affecting children’s well-being and education. I hope the school will reconsider or at least engage parents in open discussions about this decision.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for LIPA School said: ““We appreciate that any change to a child’s class can be unsettling, particularly so close to the start of the school year. That is why, when moving to mixed year groups for some children, we have been very mindful to try and keep friendship groups together and have put support in place to help pupils manage the change.
“However, we also want to ensure that every class is not just a place of happiness, but also one where children thrive in their learning.
“By moving to mixed aged classes for Years 1-4, we do not lose our small class sizes. In fact, each class will still be smaller than the national average.
“What the move does do, however, is give us a greater ability to have a permanent member of staff in front of our children, and also ensure that our teaching assistants are spread less thinly. Pupils will be taught by someone who knows them well, and we can put in place much more targeted support for any child who need a little more help.
“It is also important to stress that we always teach the child, not their age. At this early stage of their education, pupils are all at very different points – and carefully balancing the make-up of each class means that all children get the same positive experience. When class numbers are particularly small, sometimes that balance is not there.
‘Ultimately, we would not be making this change if we did not strongly feel that there were real and tangible educational benefits. If any parent has any concerns then we would strongly encourage them to come and have a chat with us. We are here to listen and to help.”