Ofsted set for crisis talks with Charedi schools
OFSTED OFFICIALS are due to meet Charedi education leaders later this month in an effort to resolve the crisis over independent strictly Orthodox schools failing inspections.
Charedi representatives argue that inspectors are unfairly requiring schools to talk about LGBT issues as part of the “British values” curriculum, in contradiction to their religious outlook.
Ofsted said it would “run information sessions for Jewish school leaders about how we inspect schools against the independent school standards and to provide guidance on how standards on fundamental British values and protected characteristics can be met”.
Guidelines for independent schools say teaching British values of respect and tolerance for others should “pay regard” to the protected characteristics of anti-discrimination law.
These include race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.
Ofsted said the sessions follow “a very positive and productive meeting” with representatives of Partnerships for Jewish Schools (Pajes) — the Jewish Leadership Council’s education division — hosted by Lord Polak. Ofsted said it had discussed “how we can work together to build Jewish schools’ understanding of how they can comply with existing requirements around equalities and fundamental British values, in a way that is in line with their religious beliefs”. Rabbi David Meyer, executive director of Pajes, said: “We are delighted that together with Ofsted we have found a way for Jewish schools to be true to their ethos and meet the standards expected by Ofsted.
“We are very much looking forward to continuing to work closely with Ofsted and build greater understanding between them and Jewish schools.
“We hope to see even more positive progress over the coming weeks.”
On Tuesday, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis met Education Secretary Damian Hinds, who was appointed to the role earlier this year. A spokesman for the Chief Rabbi would not discuss details of the session, beyond saying it involved “pertinent issues and deep concerns regarding Jewish education”.