| SPOTLIGHT |
Oldham Council has insisted that there was no evidence to support claims of a ‘Trojan Horse’ conspiracy at one of its schools.
The local authority was moved to issue a statement after a confidential report on Clarksfield primary school was leaked and formed the basis of news coverage.
Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years at Oldham, said: "I want to make it clear again that Oldham Council treats any allegations about our schools very seriously. We're proactive in investigating to ensure that these are safe, tolerant and secure environments for all pupils, staff and parents.
"The confidential report that was leaked was a copy of our internal investigation into serious allegations that were made in December 2016.”
She said these claims had been “thoroughly investigated”. The claims – and the council’s full report – were subsequently shared with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Counter Terrorism Unit.
Cllr Chadderton said: "The report concluded there is no evidence to support claims that a 'Trojan Horse' conspiracy was taking place at Clarksfield school and that is a view shared by the DfE.
"Reference was also made to concerns about other Oldham schools and these matters have been investigated. These also do not constitute Trojan Horse-type activity.”
She added that the council would continue to support all the schools named in the press reports “so that they can focus on business as usual”.
Cllr Chadderton added: "We are also grateful to those who shared information and concerns and we remain fully committed to investigating anything that is brought to our attention."
