It appears that either Ofsted, in its interpretation of the Revised Independent School Standards 2014, or Nikki Morgan, the Education Secretary, is confused over the wording of the guidance to schools.
This concerns the promotion of the protected characteristics as detailed in the Equality Act. This came to light after a letter to a member of the public, sent in early November, made clear use of the term ‘respect’ rather than ‘promotion’ of lifestyles in the classroom.
Secretary’s reply
A south London woman had her letter to her local MP passed on to Nikki Morgan as it explained her concerns about the independent school regulations. In her reply, Ms Morgan stated: ‘The new standards will, rightly, require that schools encourage their pupils to respect other people, including those who follow other lifestyles or have particular protected characteristics under the Equality Act. We are also strengthening the existing requirements by ensuring that schools promote respect and tolerance towards those of other beliefs and faiths’.