Chasidic school is not applying LGBT programme in classroom, says Ofsted

LEADERS OF a Chasidic school in Stamford Hill in north London are developing a personal education programme that makes reference to LGBT issues —but have not applied it in the classroom, according to the education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog returned recently to the Wiznitz Cheder, which had received an inadequate rating in October of last year.

The report by the inspectors said that its leadership was developing “a personal, social and health education programme to continue to improve the way they encourage respect for other people.

“This includes the study of different cultures and religions, drugs and alcohol addiction, democracy, mutual respect and the rule of law. It also refers to issues related to bereavement, different types of families, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

“However, leaders have not ensured that these plans are applied effectively in the classroom.”

Charedi schools in Britain have been at loggerheads for a number of years with the secular educational establishment over the requirements that LGBT issues should be covered in some way before pupils leave secondary school.

While Wiznitz was registered for boys up to 13, in practice they attended up to the age of 11, Ofsted found, so that it was operating as a primary school (which meant that they would be exempt from having to teach about LGBT identity). Overall, Wiznitz leaders

Leaders have not ensured these plans are applied effectively had moved the school forward, Ofsted said, but the quality of education remained weak.

English was now taught from year 1 but reading and speaking skills continued to be weak.

An appropriate programme for teaching about relationships had been drawn up which was available to parents on request, should they wish.

The inspectors said: “However, at the time of this inspection, leaders had not made sure that pupils are receiving an education in accordance with their policies and procedures.”

Ofsted also reported that, “Although leaders have made some progress in developing appropriate policies that promote British values and pupils’ understanding of other faiths and cultures, this work is not firmly established in the classroom.”

The school has so far not responded to requests for comment.