Ofsted – no evidence of political bias at Bristol school that postponed MP visit
Damian Egan's scheduled trip to Bristol Brunel Academy was cancelled over claims his presence and connections to Labour Friends of Israel might inflame teachers and parents
The schools watchdog says it has found no evidence substantiating concerns of political bias at a Bristol school after it cancelled a visit from its local MP.
Ofsted said earlier this month it would inspect Bristol Brunel Academy, following reports that Jewish MP Damien Egan had been prevented from visiting, after intervention from pro-Palestinian activists.
In the report, Ofsted said it was concerned the visit “may have been postponed due to co-ordinated pressure from staff, and external groups”, and therefore potentially in violation of Department for Education (DfE) guidance on political impartiality in schools.
“Inspectors found no evidence to substantiate these concerns within the school,” the inspection report concluded.
While the specific decision to postpone Mr Egan’s visit was “not the subject of the inspection”, the report said leaders told inspectors there had been concerns about the safety of children and staff because of a “threatened protest outside the school gates”.
The MP’s visit has been rearranged, and the school’s academy trust, Cabot Learning Federation, will commission an independent review at the request of the DfE, the report added.
When reports of the visit being cancelled first emerged, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the case was “very serious, very concerning”, and added that all MPs “should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without fear of antisemitism”.
The Ofsted report from inspectors visiting on January 15 and 16 concluded staff, including those from minority groups “spoke of the harmonious and religiously tolerant atmosphere in the school”.
“No member of staff inspectors spoke with were aware of a proposed staff-led protest against the MP’s visit.
“Inspectors heard that staff were proud of the inclusive nature of the school towards pupils, and there was often deep hurt expressed at the way their school was being portrayed,” the report added.
The report also said political impartiality was ensured in the school’s curriculum and teaching.
The lead inspector recommended the school continues to keep its approach to political impartiality under review, particularly with visitors and events, and makes sure staff adhere to expectations in the school’s code of conduct.
The DfE guidance on political impartiality in schools says impartiality duties should not impede teaching methods “that involve pupils adopting and arguing in favour, or against, partisan political views, such as mock and parallel elections or debates, hustings events or visits from local candidates or political party representatives”.
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