Ofsted has rated an independent Islamic school “inadequate” after inspectors found books in the school library that promoted hatred towards gay people.
Inspectors said that leaders at the Zakariya Primary School in Forest Gate, East London, had not taken effective steps to protect pupils from extremist views.
The report says that inspectors found books that were not appropriate for pupils. The books in question disrespected women and gay people.
Its publication comes amid parents’ protests about schools teaching pupils about LGBT people.
An excerpt from one book found at Zakariya Primary states: “Many so-called wise people are committing it, but sodomy is such an awful thing that even animals abhor it except the pigs.”
The Ofsted report said the book “promoted intolerance and hatred towards homosexuality”. Another book contained misogynistic views on the role of women.
An excerpt from the book states that: “A wife must not deny herself to her husband...Moreover, the wife is not permitted to do anything that may render her companionship less desirable or less gratifying.
“If she does any such thing or neglects herself, the husband has the right to interfere with her freedom and to rectify the situation.”
The school was rated as inadequate overall and for both leadership and management and for the personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupil.
The report found that some books contents promote disrespect for women and gay people, contrary to the Equality Act 2010.
Ofsted also criticised school leaders for failing to ensure that content on the school’s social media platforms is consistent with the school’s aims.
The report adds: “These failings seriously undermine leaders’ work to promote pupils’ personal development.
The inspectorate also found that
- The leadership team has not established a culture of safeguarding.
- The recruitment of staff is not carried out in accordance with statutory guidance. Inconsistent record-keeping means that leaders are unable to acquire a comprehensive picture of pupils’ wellbeing.
- Leaders fail to ensure that health and safety policies are followed. Disorganised records prevent leaders from knowing if the premises are safe. This places pupils’ welfare at risk.
The school’s teaching and learning and the outcomes for pupils are said to require improvement.
Ofsted said pupils are polite, well-mannered and behave well. The report adds: “They enjoy school and attend regularly.
“Parents and carers praise the levels of care their children receive from staff.”
The school is also praised for giving pupils opportunities to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to school life.
Zakariya Primary School, an independent day school with an Islamic ethos, has been approached for a comment.
