Mark Whitehead 28 April 2016

Segregation of staff ‘imposed’ in some faith schools, warns inspector

Segregation of teachers and other staff by gender is still being imposed at some independent faith schools, the chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw has warned.

In a letter to the education secretary he said training for male staff at a school in Luton took place in one room and was broadcast to women in a separate part of building.

In another incident the school segregated male and female staff using a dividing screen across the middle of the room during an initial meeting with inspectors from Ofsted.

Mr Wilshaw said the meeting was not carried out in a religious setting but in a classroom, warning that such segregation flouts the requirement to promote 'fundamental British values' in schools.

He first wrote to education secretary Nicky Morgan about segregation of staff and governors at independent faith schools in November, but emergency follow-up inspections of three independent faith schools earlier this month showed that the practice was still going on.

He urged Ms Morgan to review the Department for Education guidance introduced in 2014 and, if necessary, write to independent faith schools to clarify government expectations and commitment to the promotion of 'British values'.

'This sort of behaviour manifested by the leaders of this school clearly does not conform to the spirit of the equalities legislation which underpins the spiritual, moral, social and cultural standard,' he said.

'Any form of segregation, without a good educational reason, is likely to lead to an inadequate inspection judgment for leadership and management.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner