Ofsted chief backs schools that restrict ‘inappropriate wearing of veil’

rate schools as “inadequate” if they let pupils or staff wear full-face veils such as niqabs in their classrooms

School inspectors will be allowed to rate schools as “inadequate” if they let pupils or staff wear full-face veils such as niqabs in their classrooms, according to a policy announced by the chief inspector of schools.

Sir Michael Wilshaw said Ofsted would support heads and principals banning what was described as the “inappropriate wearing” of the veil, in an intervention that was supported by ministers but criticized by Muslim leaders.

The Muslim Council of Britain accused Wilshaw of being heavy handed in his approach, saying: “We are a country that prides itself in accommodation and fair play. It is a shame that the niqab – the full-face veil that a minority of Muslim women wear – has become a polarizing issue when it need not be.”

The Ofsted intervention comes after David Cameron said last week that he would back institutions with “sensible rules” regarding Muslims wearing full-face veils. Promoting plans to encourage greater integration of Muslim women in the UK, Cameron said he would support public bodies such as courts that needed to “see someone’s face” in order to function.