By Rashmita Patel
It all started with a hoax letter which claimed that hard-line Muslims were taking over some of the schools in Birmingham with high numbers of Muslims. Investigations by Ofsted found that governors had been replaced and pressure put on head teachers and leaders to leave their post.
25 schools have been inspected by Ofsted inspectors of which 21 schools had failed to protect children.
Five of these schools have now been placed in special measures, the sixth one is already in special measures. They are:
Golden Hillocks not previously inspected but now inadequate
Nansen Primary school not previously inspected but now inadequate
Park View Academy last Ofsted was outstanding but now inadequate
Oldknow Academy last Ofsted was outstanding but now inadequate
Saltley school last Ofsted was good and now inadequate
Alston Primary School already inadequate and remains inadequate
Three of these schools, Golden Hillocks, Nansen Primary and Park View Academy are all part of Park View Educational Trust.
Investigations from Ofsted
Ofsted’s investigations on these schools found that Birmingham was failing to protect children from extremism. Some of the evidence found was:-
- Fear and intimidation in teachers
- Tombola’s and raffles banned
- A doll representing Jesus removed baby Jesus from the nativity play
- A school played the loudspeaker for Muslims to pray
- Non-Muslims were banned from going on trips to Saudi Arabia
- Pupils found to have little knowledge of other religions other than Islam
- Music and Art had been taken off the time-table by governors
- Pupils were not properly prepared for life in Modern Britain
- Segregation of boys and girls
- Other religions downgraded and assemblies held on the Islamic point of view
Prime Minister, David Cameron stated that one of the first duties of government was to protect children. He has met with Mr Gove, Secretary State for education and Theresa May to make sure that progress is made to tackle extremism in school in Britain.
Schools to be inspected without notice
David Cameron has instructed that schools be allowed to be inspected at no notice, at the moment a few days’ notice is given prior to a visit.
Promote British values
The Prime minister has called that all schools in Britain “promote british values.” Freedom, respect, tolerance, respect for the rule of law are some of the British values that David Cameron would like implemented in schools.
Training for school governors has also been highlighted as well as changes to be made on funding for academies and free schools.
Funding
Mr Gove said in his speech at the House of Commons that an urgent need of action was required. Academies would be receiving letters terminating funding agreements. This would mean that Park View Education Trust would no longer be funded.
Other areas affected by Trojan Horse
Bradford is also at the centre of attention as Ofsted visited two colleges. Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College and Carlton Bolling College were also investigated. Students at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College were found revising in the streets after they were told by teachers that Ofsted were visiting the school and they could not come inside. Students were time-tabled to be having revision lessons however they were sent off-site. More Ofsted visits are expected in other areas, possible areas are Manchester, Luton as well as Bradford.
