Leeds Jewish primary may be ‘in breach of Equality Act’

A Jewish primary has been told it “appears to be in breach of the Equality Act” for teaching boys and girls differently .

Leeds Menorah School was recently rated inadequate by Ofsted as concerns were raised about teaching standards and safeguarding.

The report outlined that: “Boys are taught about Jewish criminal and civil law. Girls are not. Leaders said this is because the subject will help the boys and is “less relevant” to the girls, as the boys will need this for their higher education.

“This separation by sex appears to be in breach of the Equality Act 2010. Staff say that, although this is not a written policy, boys and girls are expected to sit separately in lessons.”

Inspectors also found the school did not teach about LGBT relationships, and only a “minority of parents supported the teaching about all protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and civil partnerships”.

It also criticised the school’s safeguarding policy, which “does not reflect the reality of safeguarding practice at the school”.

Ofsted also highlighted that the policy on the school’s website “refers to training that staff have not had”.

The school and Partnerships for Jewish Schools have been approached for comment.