Police investigate staff member at failing school

A school has been placed into special measures at the same time a member of staff is investigated by the police because of their conduct involving a child.

Ofsted inspectors found safeguarding failures at Manshead Church of England Academy, near Dunstable, Bedfordshire, noting staff had not anticipated risks posed by "some pupils who demonstrate harmful sexual behaviour".

The report also found that some boys showed a lack of respect towards girls, while homophobic language, racist attitudes and "harmful banter" often went unaddressed.

Central Bedfordshire Council said the Ofsted inspection took place in July after the authority raised concerns regarding the academy.

It is the second time Ofsted had inspected the school this year, having previously visited in February.

At that time, safeguarding had met the expected standard.

The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the academy, has been approached for comment on the investigation.

A spokesperson for Central Bedfordshire Council said: "We recognise how concerning this will be for those affected and the wider school community.

"The council is engaged through its statutory safeguarding role and has been working with the academy trust, police and safeguarding partners to ensure appropriate procedures are being followed.

"As this is an active police investigation involving a child, we cannot comment further or provide information that could identify anyone affected or prejudice the investigation."

Ofsted published their latest report into the school on Monday.

Some staff were criticised for being "overly familiar and too informal" with pupils while others had not acted in pupils' best interests.

Inspectors concluded the school's safeguarding systems did not protect pupils as they should and had put "many pupils" at risk over time.

Urgent improvements were also required in other key areas such as achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance.

The Ofsted report found the school had three head teachers over the course of four terms and had no deputy head teacher in place.

The trust said: "Since the inspection, staff and leaders have been working relentlessly to make positive changes, and many of these are already beginning to make a difference.

"This brings new leadership at the school including a new head teacher and two new deputies.

"Our priority is to ensure that every child feels safe, receives the best possible education, and has the support they need to thrive."

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