Three men charged following reports of abuse at Wirral SEN school
Three men charged following reports of abuse at Wirral SEN school
Plus: disco descends on Liverpool and a crime fiction writing seminar
Dear readers — The weather may be dreary and the weekend may be over, but please consider this a warmer-than-usual welcome to your Monday briefing to compensate. Abi’s on holiday today, so Laurence is flying solo — ably supported by our excellent editorial staff, of course.
ICYMI, check out Laurence’s article on how St Julie’s Catholic School in Walton bounced back from a poor Ofsted report. “Great to read such a detailed article on education in The Post,” commented one reader.
Unfortunately, today’s big story is a less uplifting one about another Merseyside school. You’ll probably remember back in June when BBC Panorama reported on LIFE Wirral, an independent special educational needs school in Wallasey…
Editor’s note: We’ve hit our goal for 75 new Post memberships this month! Thank you so much to our subscribers old and new for supporting long-form local journalism that holds power in our city to account. If you haven’t joined us yet, what are you waiting for?
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The big story: Three men charged following reports of abuse at Wirral SEN school
Top line: In the aftermath of a BBC investigation, Elliot Miller, Daniel McNulty Doyle, and Oliver Nugent, aged between 21 and 26, have been charged with a range of offences including common assault, behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and assault by beating.
Context: Back in June, a BBC Panorama programme revealed abuse and child cruelty at LIFE Wirral, a special educational needs school based in Wallasey. During a seven-week undercover stint at the independent school, a reporter witnessed homophobic language, manhandling of pupils, and mocking of disabilities and neurodiversity by staff.
Senior members of staff also bragged on hidden cameras about using unnecessary force. One said that he “threw [a child] all over the place”, while another confessed to calling a pupil a “flid,” adding “it’s a school of r*tards” and the children are “so f*cking thick”.
At the time, The Post asked questions about LIFE’s CEO Alastair Saverimutto, who has a past littered with failed businesses and outstanding debts. Why Saverimutto was allowed to set up the school in the first place despite having no experience or credentials as a teacher or in special needs care remains unclear. A former rugby player, he served as a special constable for Merseyside Police before he was sacked for dishonesty in 2023.
In 2022, LIFE Wirral was rated “Good” by Ofsted. A further emergency report after concerns were raised found that the school had “a suitable risk assessment policy in place” and “appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils.”
Bottom line: “We know this investigation has raised concern in the community, and - working alongside partners in the local authority and health bodies - support has been and will continue to be provided to the pupils and families affected,” said Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel. “The Life School permanently closed after the alleged incidents came to light and enquiries into the alleged incidents are continuing. An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review will take place, and referrals are being made to professional bodies to safeguard people in future.”
Your Post briefing
Our July scoop about Donald Trump’s former lawyer Joe Tacopina attempting to purchase Tranmere Rovers has finally been confirmed in the pages of the New York Times. Tacopina, who has owned multiple clubs in Italy, has been in talks with the club for “at least six months” now according to the NYT. “Clues [about the sale] were reported by local media outlet The Post in July but no national or international outlet followed the story up, perhaps because it seemed so far-fetched,” the paper wrote. Apparently, Tacopina plans to use his no doubt extensive contact book to try and emulate what Wrexham AFC has achieved under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynold and Rob McElhenney (whose Welcome to Wrexham documentary has been a huge success). There is also talk of a new ground for Tranmere going on.
Concerts held at the Anfield football stadium have helped boost Liverpool’s economy by over £30 million in the last five years. Performances by the likes of Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones have had a tremendous impact on the local economy, according to a new report from consultancy firm Turley Economics, providing thousands of jobs for local people. Councillor Harry Doyle told the BBC the redevelopment of the stadium had been "a huge success for the club and the city".
A woman arrested for sharing a fake name for the Southport attacker on X will face no further action, Cheshire Police have confirmed. Bernadette Spofforth was arrested in August after reposting the fake name on social media to more than 50,000 followers. She later deleted the post and apologised after realising the information was incorrect.
Post Picks
🔎On Saturday, head over to St George’s Hall for a Sherlock Holmes themed stage production. Titled The Sign of Four, the story follows detective Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson as they help a young woman solve the mysterious disappearance of her father. Buy tickets here.
📖One for those of you who missed our second Post event with Jeff Young. The beloved Liverpool author has another panel about his new book, Wild Twin, at Waterstones on Wednesday. Details here.
🔪On Saturday, Arts Bar hosts a crime fiction writing seminar with expert academics from Liverpool John Moores University. Tickets are £10 for the three-hour seminar here.
🪩And a final weekend recommendation: Esteemed club night Otra takes over 24 Kitchen Street on Saturday, bringing NTS disco DJ Ruby Savage to the decks. We can’t wait for this one. Grab a ticket here.
Home of the week
This three bedroom detached house in Woolton comes fit with an aluminium pergola with a retractable roof and a 7ft wine wall. Unfortunately for the buyer of this house, the delicious grape contents of said wine wall will not be included in the asking price of £425,000. Drat.
Recommended reads
This interview with Matthew Ball for Rolling Stone Magazine gives a great insight into the world of ballet. The Liverpool-born dancer has been principal at the Royal Ballet since 2016.
And a throwback to Abi’s interview with Liverpool beekeeper Barry Chang. This mini documentary by Ikram Ahmed shows Barry in his element — at one with his bees.
Thanks to the FT for sponsoring today’s edition — get your discounted subscription now.
I’ve been a subscriber of the Post for several months now. I haven’t regretted my decision once. Top class journalism from a very talented team who report on topics of real importance and interest to Liverpudlians. Well done all involved 👍.
Thanks for the throwback to the Barry Chang story. As a new reader, it's great to get some of these local interest stories from the past.