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Police reportedly investigate JFS over death of pupil
The teen’s family is claimed to have said she had ‘been bullied by other pupils at the school for some time’
July 14, 2021 13:42
The teen’s family is claimed to have said she had ‘been bullied by other pupils at the school for some time’
July 14, 2021 13:42Police officers reportedly attended JFS last week to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a pupil earlier this year.
A report in the Telegraph claimed the inquiry followed allegations from the teen's family that she had “been bullied by other pupils at the school for some time.”
Officers apparently reviewed CCTV footage and spoke to members of staff, according to the newspaper, which cited a source close to the school as saying that JFS was fully cooperating.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson confirmed to the JC the force was helping with a coroner’s investigation.
“Police are liaising with a school in Brent following the death of one of its pupils. The girl, aged 14, was found deceased at home on Friday, 12 March.
“The death is being treated as non-suspicious. The Met is assisting with the coroner’s investigation and inquest process,” the force said on Wednesday.
JFS saw its Ofsted rating downgraded to “inadequate” overall last month after inspectors highlighted “deep-rooted and widespread failings in the school’s safeguarding culture”.
Inspectors found that school leaders did not “always take appropriate action to safeguard victims and challenge and support alleged perpetrators."
While many pupils enjoy positive relationships with staff and other students, “many others feel that leaders have not protected them from the behaviour of some of their peers," it also said.
New headteacher Sir Michael Wilshaw vowed to turn the school around, telling the JC he was already seeing improvements in behaviour and the school’s culture.
The Met Police recently published an information booklet about children's welfare aimed at the Jewish community.
JFS did not immediately return a request for comment.
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