TEC has submitted a response to Ofsted’s consultation on proposed changes to the inspection of independent schools.

Key points from TEC’s response were also circulated around Headteachers and Governors to help inform their own responses to the consultation.

These key points were well-received by school leaders and emphasised that:

Our mosdos should not be expected to pro-actively teach any information that does not fit within halacha.
The revised inspection handbook should place greater emphasis on respecting pupils’ religious background and our kehilla’s view on what an age appropriate education means.
Specialist interpreters who properly understand the detail of Kodesh curricula would be extremely beneficial in helping inspectors understand the intent, implementation and outcomes of a specialist Jewish education.
Headteachers should be empowered to make decisions about what is age appropriate and culturally appropriate to teach, in close consultation with their respective parent body.
Further to TEC’s consultation response, it has been encouraging to hear from the Department that they endorse the importance of school autonomy and acknowledge that Headteachers, in close consultation with parents, are best placed to make important decisions about the appropriateness of educational delivery.

These principles will be increasingly crucial following the introduction of new RSE guidance, in order to ensure that schools in our sector are not compelled to teach sensitive topics that do not reflect parents’ wishes about what is age appropriate and culturally appropriate.