Tom Ball from The Times goes undercover at Universallkidz, a suspected illegal school in Manchester teaching children to become conspiracy theorists. Topics include unconventional curriculum, teacher backgrounds, infamous conspiracy theories, challenges in regulating such schools, rise of conspiracies amidst pandemic.
An undercover investigation revealed an unregistered school teaching conspiracy theories outside the mainstream system.
The lack of regulations allows schools like Universal Kids to operate on the fringes of the law.
Deep dives
Unregistered Alternative School in Manchester
An undercover investigation reveals the existence of an unregistered school called Universal Kids in Manchester. The school operates four days a week and aims to provide an alternative education outside the mainstream system, focusing on autonomy and unique teaching methods.
Conspiracy Theories and Unconventional Curriculum
The curriculum at Universal Kids includes teachings on conspiracy theories such as the Great Reset Theory and anti-state ideologies. Students are exposed to unconventional subjects like crystal healing, foraging, and survival skills, while also discussing controversial topics like the Holocaust and world economic forums.
Challenges and Legal Concerns
The school's unregistered status raises legal concerns, as it operates outside the oversight of authorities like Ofsted. The lack of clear definitions and regulations surrounding schools like Universal Kids allows them to operate on the fringes of the law, presenting challenges for regulatory bodies in addressing these issues.
A group of former teachers and a cryptocurrency trader are teaching at a suspected illegal school, Universallkidz in Manchester, in which children are being educated to become the next generation of conspiracy theorists. The Times’ Tom Ball went undercover as a teacher to find out more.
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