Her support for hijab ban head

OFSTED’S chief has backed a primary school headmistress who was subjected to vile abuse for trying to ban the hijab.

Amanda Spielman praised Neena Lall for setting uniform policies which ‘promote cohesion’ at St Stephen’s, a secular state school in Newham, east London.

The head was compared to Hitler in online videos circulated by parents after she said girls under eight should not have to wear the Muslim veil in class.

She also tried to prevent very young children from fasting during school hours. But following a backlash from councillors in the mainly Pakistani and Bangladeshi community, she was forced to reverse her decision.

In an unusual move, Ofsted inspectors visited the school earlier this week to speak with pupils and show solidarity with the head. Mrs Spielman, the watchdog’s chief inspector of schools, said yesterday: ‘Schools must have the right to set school uniform policies as they see fit, in order to promote cohesion.

‘It is a matter of deep regret that this outstanding school has been subject to a campaign of abuse by those who want to undermine the school’s position.’

She called on the Government and religious organisations to step in when schools face ‘difficult situations’.

Mrs Spielman added that schools often bowed to pressure from conservative elements rather than listening to more moderate views. ‘Giving way to the loudest voices is the opposite of tolerance,’ she added. ‘Schools must not allow pressure from certain elements of school communities to dictate school policy.’