Library books which urge women to be submissive to their husbands and never refuse sex are among a dossier of misogynistic material inspectors have found in Islamic schools.
Ofsted has compiled a file of the worst examples of discrimination and sexism its inspectors encountered. The material includes excerpts from library books and children’s marked work which sanction domestic violence.
Among the worst examples was a book discovered in a school library entitled, “Women who deserve to go to hell” which said that it was wrong for wives to show “ingratitude to their husband” or “have tall ambitions”.
Ofsted said the material it collected was out of step with mainstream Muslim thinking and came from maintained schools as well as independent faith schools and unregistered schools.
Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector, has made clear her determination to ensure that children at religious schools get a solid education that prepares them for life in modern Britain. Last month in court she successfully defended a decision to place the Al Hijrah Islamic school in Birmingham into special measures for segregating boys and girls from the age of nine.
One school Ofsted visited encouraged children to read a text that contrasted the “noble women of the East” with the “internally torn woman of the West” who attracts men and leaves her home to hang around aimlessly in cinemas and cafés.
Other library books insisted that in a Muslim marriage “the wife is not allowed to refuse sex to her husband” or “leave the house where she lives without his permission” while boys and girls were taught that “the man by way of correction can also beat her”. Work marked by teachers stated that women had a responsibility “only to bear children and bring them up as Muslims”.
Ofsted insiders said the books and writings made for “uncomfortable reading”. They are concerned not only that religious schools are using inappropriate materials, but that well- intentioned mainstream schools are permitting extreme forms of Islam in the belief they are being inclusive.
Ofsted took issue in particular with primary schools which allowed girls as young as four to wear the hijab. It said there was “growing concern” about the trend. In mainstream Muslim teaching the hijab is commonly for females after they reach the age of puberty.
It is understood the material in the dossier may be used in training for inspectors.
Dame Louise Casey, who published a report for the government on integration a year ago, told The Times there should be a moratorium on opening new faith schools until the problems were addressed. “Some schools are teaching a segregated way of life and misogyny and the government isn’t taking enough of a stand. The public expects them to do that. The DFE turns a blind eye and hopes that Ofsted will deal with the problem. It’s all in the ‘too difficult’ box,” she said.