Free school retains its Ofsted-outstanding verdict, despite inspection noting dispute with parents and staff

A free school which has faced criticism from parents and teachers has retained its Ofsted-outstanding status –despite inspectors noting some weaknesses in its safeguarding procedures and that “many parents” had raised concerns.

The verdict for Canary Wharf College, Glenworth, in East London, may indicate some softening from Ofsted on safeguarding judgements within schools, while also raising more questions about the complexity and coherence of the inspectorate’s current ratings system.

Indeed, one former Her Majesty’s Inspector who is now publicly critical of Ofsted suggested the report illustrated how the current system for inspecting previously outstanding schools is a “dog’s breakfast”.

The background

Glenworth is one of three free schools controlled by an organisation called Canary Wharf College. This small academy chain has faced sustained controversy, some of which is acknowledged in relation to Glenworth in the latest Ofsted, since the arrival of its current chief executive, Joanne Taylor, a year ago.

Last March, more than 300 parents signed a 15-page document which raised concerns about goings-on across the three schools, including about overcrowding in classrooms and staff wellbeing, with claims that children had witnessed teachers crying.