Family & Education
Ofsted backs expansion of Stamford Hill school that includes 'references' to LGBT in its curriculum
Talmud Torah London's plan to add secondary classes had previously been blocked by the authorities
July 19, 2022 08:13
Talmud Torah London's plan to add secondary classes had previously been blocked by the authorities
July 19, 2022 08:13Ofsted has backed the planned expansion of a Strictly Orthodox boys’ school in Stamford Hill after inspectors said its relationship and sex education curriculum included references to “sexual orientation and transgender”.
The Department of Education had blocked Talmud Torah London’s wish to add classes for 12 and 13-year olds when Ofsted previously reported that leaders of the school had confirmed they had “no intention of ever referencing those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender as part of PSHE [personal, social, health and economic] education or relationships education”.
But in a follow-up visit, Ofsted has now approved its arrangements for PHSE and said it would be likely to meet the relevant standards for independent schools.
According to current regulations, schools are required to discuss LGBT awareness with pupils before the end of their secondary education.
Talmud Torah’s PSHE scheme “provides pupils with the fundamental knowledge to understand the principles of tolerance and respect for other people,” Ofsted reported. “All of the protected characteristics are included in the relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum.”
Protected characteristics, which refer to aspects of identity covered by anti-discrimination law, include same-sex orientation and gender reassignment.
References to "sexual orientation and transgender are included in the RSE curriculum," the inspectorate reported.
Ofsted said parents had opted to withdraw their children from the sex education components of RSE after being consulted by the school.
“Together, the school’s policies for PSHE and RSE are likely to be suitable and reflect government guidance,” Ofsted.
The decision to approve expansion ultimately rests with the DfE.
The school’s headteacher, Eli Spitzer, has become a prominent commentator on Charedi affairs, writing a blog and a column for the American Jewish online magazine, Mosaic.
READ MORE: Lack of LGBT teaching threatens school's expansion plans