Ofsted’s chief inspector reiterated her defence of the headteacher of East Ham’s Stephen’s Primary School this morning.
Addressing a parliamentary education committee, Amanda Spielman said individual schools shouldn’t be “bullied” by lobbyists and said she stood by headteachers who make decisions “fairly and sensibly”.
Neena Lall banned the wearing of hijab for girls under eight, but soon withdrew the decision after complaints from parents, governor resignations and a scathing letter from Newham’s councillors.
Today, Ms Spielman said that according to government uniform policy guidance, it is the jurisdiction of the headteacher to decide on uniform policy, and while that guidance says parents should be consulted, this doesn’t mean getting permission from every individual parent.