Jeremy Corbyn’s old school told to sort vetting ‘failings’
Jeremy Corbyn’s former school has been told to submit a written action plan to the Department of Education after inspectors found issues over staff vetting.
The inspection on January 31 and February 1 found Castle House Preparatory School in Newport sometimes let staff begin work before enhanced criminal record checks had been completed.
Inspectors also said there needed to be a more systematic approach to health and safety requirements at the fee-paying school, and that it must conduct fire risk assessments regularly.
But Adrian Palmer, reporting inspector at the Independent Schools Inspectorate, found that the quality of education was met, as well as the standard of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
The standards of the premises and provision of information were also said to have been met.
A letter from the Department of Education said there had been ‘serious regulatory failings’ at the primary school and kindergarten, which Mr Corbyn attended during his upbringing in Shropshire.
A notice, from the Secretary of State for Education, has been served on the school requiring an action plan.
Head Ian Sterling, who was appointed in January, said he had a ‘very clear brief’ to develop the school and ensure the safety of all who attend.
He said: “On January 31, within a month of taking up post, the school received a Compliance Inspection which identified the majority of required standards are met.
"Of those which were not, one being a historic issue involving appointments which had occurred under previous leadership and the other aspects identified had already been started even before the inspection.
"A short time frame did not allow for their completion before the start of the inspection.”
He added: “A school management system has been introduced to ensure all appointments are recorded in a formal way, alongside employment vetting check lists and systems.
"All current employees are fully checked and this aspect of the report relates to appointments which occurred in the past.
"In addition, to promote best practice concerning the suitability of leadership and management, appraisal of all staff has been introduced, alongside the appointment of additional governors and retraining for the whole governing body.”
