Faith school told pupils about “negative impact” of homosexuality

A faith school discussed the "negative impact of homosexuality" with pupils as part of its response to allegations of sexual harassment.

In a new inspection report, Ofsted said that Darul Uloom London School's response to "emerging allegations of sexual harassment" made by pupils had been "insensitive" and may stop children discussing similar allegations in future.

Darul Uloom is an independent Islamic boarding school in Chislehurst, Kent for boys aged 11-19.

In relation to an incident concerning "alleged behaviour of one child towards another child", Ofsted said the school's response did not demonstrate "the best safeguarding practices" by focusing on the 'negative effects' homosexuality was having on the school.

Ofsted also said that the school's approach to the incident had not been "child centred".

In its safeguarding and child protection policy, the school claims to be an "open environment where young people feel safe to share information about anything that is upsetting or worrying them". It also said it had a "strong and positive PSHE/RSHE curriculum" which tackles issues including "prejudiced behaviour".

The "safeguarding of children from sexual harassment" was described by Ofsted as "an area for further improvement" at the school.

Ofsted also noted that "serious incidents" which occurred at the school since the last inspection are under investigation by the appropriate authorities and that school leaders were working "closely with partner agencies to address any safeguarding concerns and allegations against staff members".

Ofsted said that it does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind.

Darul Uloom's leadership was also described in the report has having a "clear vision" for the school centred around the "Islamic faith and ethos".

The school has since received a warning notice from the Department for Education. Notices are issued when Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate identify breaches of the independent school standards.

Following a notice being issued, schools must submit an action plan on how they intend to rectify the identified failings and can be closed if improvements are not made.

Recent figures from the DfE revealed that independent schools with a faith ethos are four times more likely to be issued with warning notices than their non-religiously affiliated counterparts.

NSS: 'Role of faith ethos deeply troubling'

Jack Rivington, campaigns officer at the National Secular Society, said: "The incidents described by Ofsted in this report are highly concerning, and raise questions regarding the extent to which the school's faith ethos is interfering with necessary and requisite safeguarding measures.

"Describing the 'negative impact of homosexuality' with students in response to allegations of sexual harassment being made by a child is utterly unacceptable, and it is appalling to think that this incident may discourage students from coming forward with similar allegations in future.

"Religious moralising should never be prioritised over the wellbeing of children. The operations of this school should now be closely reviewed to ensure that students are properly safeguarded."

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