Academy trust CEO writes to parents telling them to direct any complaints to the trust and its schools, rather than Ofsted

The chief executive of an academy trust wrote to parents apparently blaming members of the community for its most successful school being visited by Ofsted inspectors following complaints.

Nick Singh Kandola, who signed off as “CEO and leader” of the Khalsa Academies Trust, sent the letter last month after the inspectorate visited Atam Academy, in Redbridge, east London, in a visit which focused on safeguarding.

Atam, which has been subject to intense local controversy in recent months following the sacking of its former governing body and the recent departure of senior staff, has been Ofsted-rated outstanding since last year.

Ofsted inspections of schools, of course, are not happening routinely since their suspension in March in the face of the Covid-19 emergency. I understand that the inspection last month involved three Her Majesty’s Inspectors.

In his letter, Kandola appeared to take issue with the complaint having gone directly to Ofsted and thus forcing the inspection. He urged parents “to stand with us to ensure that Atam Academy remains outstanding”, and to come to the school and trust with complaints first, although “parent view” data on the school on Ofsted’s website suggests unhappiness on the part of those  completing it with the school’s handling of complaints.