Paul McCartney's LIPA school dinner slammed after 'cold' food served to pupil

A parent has complained about the standard of school dinners at a school which is part of Paul McCartney's performing arts academy.

Earlier today, the ECHO revealed that an inspection of LIPA Primary and High School in Liverpool City Centre had seen it downgraded by Ofsted from 'good' to 'requires improvement.'

LIPA Primary and High School opened in September 2014 in Upper Duke Street and comes under the umbrella of the original performing arts academy that was jointly founded by the former Beatle and opened its doors in 1996.

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The latest inspection report by Ofsted, released to parents initially and seen by the ECHO, highlights a number of concerns at the school - particularly around behaviour issues of some pupils.

The report states that while most pupils at the school follow instructions and focus well on their learning, "some older pupils do not behave as well as they should" and "some pupils told inspectors that they do not feel safe in school."

It adds: "This is because they are worried by the behaviour of some of the other pupils, especially during break times. Added to this, some pupils do not show sufficient respect for their school environment."

The report points out that the school has recently updated its behaviour policy to reflect its "increased expectations." It adds: "However, the new behaviour policy is not applied consistently well by staff. Pupils and staff reported varying experiences of behaviour between different year groups, especially outside of lesson times."

Added to this, the inspectors said, the school "does not have clear enough understanding of the impact of its work to improve pupils’ behaviour across the school."

Despite these criticisms, the school was rated as 'good' for its quality of education, its early years provision and the personal development of its pupils. It was deemed to need to improve in terms of the behaviour and attitudes of its pupils and the leadership and management of staff.

Other concerns have been raised with the ECHO by a parent at a school, including around the standard of some school dinners being served to pupils.

One school parent shared an image of a dinner presented in a takeaway box, which she claimed was delivered cold and not of a standard pupils should be eating. The image shows three potatoes, a small slice of meat and some peas, carrots and sweetcorn in a white takeaway-style box.

Commenting on the wider issues identified by Ofsted, she said: "I think it is a damning comment that some pupils don't feel safe. There is a lack of leadership and a lack of being willing to face up to problems. I wish my children didn't have to go there anymore but we don't have many other options."

In response to the Ofsted report, a spokesperson for the school said: "Many aspects of LIPA’s work were reported on positively by Ofsted.

"Quality of education, personal development and early years were recognised as ‘good’ and we received praise for our ambitious curriculum, skilled teachers, provision of additional opportunities for students, and our inclusive support for pupils with special educational need or disabilities.

"We are already working to address the areas marked for improvement."

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