Ofsted is calling for the Education Secretary to investigate why so many Steiner Schools are failing to meet their requirements.
Steiner Schools teach children through play and creative activity, often not starting formal academic studies till the age of seven.
The schools, developed from the theories of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, prioritise the children’s spiritual, emotional and creative development.
Amanda Spielman, Chief Inspector of Schools, is concerned that this happens at the cost of the children’s academic development and safety.
Since last November nine Ofsted investigations of Steiner academies have been carried out, all of which were found to be either ‘inadequate; or ‘requiring improvement.”
Ms Steiner, in a letter to Damien Hinds, writes that “Overall, the findings are deeply concerning.”
“They demonstrate that there are a number of areas of common weakness in these schools, which mean that in many cases, the children attending them are inadequately safeguarded and are receiving a poor quality of education.”
She added that at the root of many of the weaknesses was poor leadership, management and governance.
In response to the letter, Mr Hinds said: “Where any independent school fails to meet the independent school standards, we will take robust action; and we will move academies that are deemed inadequate to new sponsors where necessary.”
A Steiner state school in Bristol has launched legal action against Ofsted on the back of these investigations.
The Bristol academy says the education watchdog’s inspection showed bias against the Steiner school philosophy.
The legal challenge will argue the Ofsted inspection was flawed and inspectors lacked proper evidential basis for their conclusions.
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HeadlineOfsted urges Education Secretary to investigate Steiner Schools
Short HeadlineCalls for Steiner Schools to be investigated
StandfirstChief Inspector of Schools Amanda Spielman raises concerns over safety and quality of education.
Ofsted is calling for the Education Secretary to investigate why so many Steiner Schools are failing to meet their requirements.
Steiner Schools teach children through play and creative activity, often not starting formal academic studies till the age of seven.
The schools, developed from the theories of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, prioritise the children’s spiritual, emotional and creative development.
Amanda Spielman, Chief Inspector of Schools, is concerned that this happens at the cost of the children’s academic development and safety.
Since last November nine Ofsted investigations of Steiner academies have been carried out, all of which were found to be either ‘inadequate; or ‘requiring improvement.”
Ms Steiner, in a letter to Damien Hinds, writes that “Overall, the findings are deeply concerning.”
“They demonstrate that there are a number of areas of common weakness in these schools, which mean that in many cases, the children attending them are inadequately safeguarded and are receiving a poor quality of education.”
She added that at the root of many of the weaknesses was poor leadership, management and governance.
In response to the letter, Mr Hinds said: “Where any independent school fails to meet the independent school standards, we will take robust action; and we will move academies that are deemed inadequate to new sponsors where necessary.”
A Steiner state school in Bristol has launched legal action against Ofsted on the back of these investigations.
The Bristol academy says the education watchdog’s inspection showed bias against the Steiner school philosophy.
The legal challenge will argue the Ofsted inspection was flawed and inspectors lacked proper evidential basis for their conclusions.
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