Urgent probe into conspiracy theory school claims

An undercover investigation by the Times claimed Universall Kidz promoted conspiracy theories to children

Ofsted is "urgently investigating" claims that a self-styled "alternative education" provider has been promoting conspiracy theories to children.

The probe follows allegations in The Times against Greater Manchester-based Universall Kidz.

Universall Kidz said it found the term conspiracy theorist "unhelpful" and derogatory, that it was not a school, and was not required to teach the National Curriculum.

Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said the findings in the report were "highly alarming" but said “weaknesses" in the legal system had hampered Ofsted’s efforts to deal with hundreds of unregistered schools.

Universall Kidz founder Ladan Ratcliffe said allegations made by The Times were "factually incorrect and defamatory".