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UK News

Church of England Education chief criticises new 'anti-terror bill'

Its after the Home Secretary announced details of a new counter-terrorism bill on Wednesday.

The bill states that schools, colleges and universities must take responsibility for preventing students from becoming radicalised.

Theresa May argues the threat from terrorism now is "perhaps greater than it ever has been", adding "We must have the powers we need to defend ourselves. The organisations subject to the duty will have to take into account guidance issued...

"Where organisations consistently fail, ministers will be able to issue directions to them - which will be enforceable by court order."

Her announcement came less than a week after Ofsted downgraded a London Church of England school to 'Special Measures' for failing to protect students from radicalisation.

The schools watchdog said Sir John Cass Foundation and Red Coat Church of England secondary, in Tower Hamlets, had not done enough to monitor the online content of a sixth form student society.

The group's Facebook page and YouTube channel were alleged to have links to extremist material.

But in his blog, Revd Genders questioned whether Ofsted is equipped to 'police extremism', arguing: "Ofsted is increasingly being required to make nuanced judgements about aspects of school life where there are few, if any, guidelines.

"This is an unreasonable expectation to place on the inspectors and is ultimately unfair on the schools and their pupils if we haven't beforehand made clear what they are looking for."

He goes on: "Whilst Ofsted works out how it measures 'British Values' and schools wonder how they might be downgraded for failing to promote them, asking Ofsted to become the schoolroom security service is a step too far.

"As a country we have access to both counter terrorism experts and educational professionals. Suggesting these groups swap roles in an attempt to build a safer society needs more thought."

Read the full blog here.

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