An historic Merseyside private school that was warned it faced being struck off the Independent Schools register has been given a clean bill of health.
Merchant Taylor's Boys' school in Crosby was told earlier this year that it did not meet standards for safeguarding and leadership and had problems with welfare and unsuitable staff.
Following an inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on February 27 & 28, the school received a warning letter from the Department of Education, saying 'serious regulatory failings' had to be rectified.
But another inspection carried out in September was overwhelmingly positive.
The ISI inspection report confirmed that the school makes all appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of its staff, including checks of medical fitness, with all checks being completed before staff begin work for all those employed since the previous inspection.
The school, the report says, has implemented an action plan which includes new fire risk assessments, planning additional fire doors along corridors where possible, installation of enhanced emergency lighting and signage, and focused training for staff and pupils.
It also says the school - which costs £11,000 a year to attend - 'has an appropriate policy for safeguarding which provides suitable arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils'.
Headteacher David Wickes said: “The ISI inspection earlier this year highlighted a relatively small number of historical issues and many changes had already been undertaken at that time.
“Since the initial inspection, our entire team has redoubled its efforts to ensure we are compliant in all areas and the strength of this latest report is testament to our shared determination to ensure that Merchant Taylors’ is an exemplar in every aspect.
“This is not an end-point, but merely a platform for future innovation, and we will continue to identify ways to make our school the very best it can be.”
