Ofsted takes issue with Stamford Hill school over LGBT policy

Honey cake sales sweeten the pot for Gift’s food aid

OFSTED WILL not recommend that a Stamford Hill primary be allowed to increase its age range because it will not talk about LGBT people to pupils.

Talmud Torah London, an independent boys’ primary, is rated good by Ofsted and has previously received permission from the authorities to expand its numbers.

The school, whose new headmaster is Eli Spitzer, wants approval to add classes for secondary age pupils of 12 and 13.

But Ofsted says it would be unlikely to meet independent school standards on equality as leaders had confirmed since the inspection that the school had “no intention of ever referencing those who identity as lesbian, gay and transgender” as part of personal, social and health education or relationships education.

According to government guidance for relationships and sex education, pupils are supposed to receive some information about LGBT people before the end of their secondary school career.

GIFT is selling a selection of honey cake gifts to help fund the charity’s Giving Kitchen, created to combat rising food poverty within the community. Working in partnership

The guidelines notionally give schools discretion about when this is age appropriate.

Ultimately, it is up to the Department for Education to decide whether to approve the expansion of the school.

Ofsted did note that the school offered a suitable curriculum and a strong culture of safeguarding and leaders had “credible and ambitious plans” for its development.

There was better news for Ateres Beis Yaakov, an independent girls’ primary which is due to open next month in Hendon. It was likely to meet all independent schools standards, an inspection report said .

Ofsted said it promised a “rich and exciting curriculum”, noting that pupils would be learning about Nelson Mandela and black history and about festivals in other cultures including the Chinese New Year.

School had no intention of referencing those who identify as gay’

with Lauren Fried, Gift has piloted the project for six weeks, cooking and delivering hundreds of nutritious meals. The Rosh Hashanah-themed items start from £10.