Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what representations he has received on the recommendation to school inspectors made by the Chief Inspector of Schools in November 2017 on girls wearing hijabs in schools.

The Department regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders and has heard views on this announcement through these engagements. The Department also receives representations from a diverse range of people, some of whom have expressed views about Ofsted’s announcement. Where questions have been asked that relate to Ofsted policy, we have directed the representations to Ofsted for comment.

Ofsted is in the process of finalising guidance for inspectors, including in relation to schools’ uniform policies. In developing this guidance Ofsted has held meetings with a range of stakeholders, including representatives from faith groups and other interested parties. Ofsted aims to publish this guidance by the end of January 2018, taking account of the views expressed during these discussions.