Sunday Schools and Bell Ringing Groups Could Face 'Radicalisation' Inspections [UK]

The Daily Telegraph (UK) ^ | 12/11/15 | John Bingham

[marshmallow]

Warnings that Government's counter-extremism plan could lead to inspections on thousands of church youth groups and turn Ofsted into a 'state regulator of religion'

Ofsted inspectors could be sent into Sunday schools, church youth groups, Scout troops and even bell ringing circles to search for signs of children being "radicalised" under new counter-extremism plans, church leaders and voluntary groups fear.

The proposals, backed by David Cameron, could lead to thousands of "out-of-school education settings" having to be formally registered for the first time and facing inspections to judge whether they are promoting so-called "British values".

Christian groups said the proposals, outlined in a consultation paper published quietly by the Department for Education two weeks ago, could unwittingly turn Ofsted into a "state regulator of religion".

In a letter to Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, seen by the Telegraph, the Christian institute argues that unless steps are taken to limits the plans, they would represent an "unprecedented attack on freedom of religion in our country".

[Constitutionalist Conservative]

I actually understood that reference. :-)

[Constitutionalist Conservative]

The Bishop of Maidstone, the Rt Rev Rod Thomas, said: “I completely sympathise with the Government’s desire to avoid the radicalisation of the young and indeed their desire to stop extremist teaching, but this could have unintended consequences.

Unintended. Heh.

[Tax-chick]

It could be a standard trope: “A lot of people were murdered over (motive) in Midsomer (Village).”

[Constitutionalist Conservative]

Yup. Never just one.

[Tax-chick]

What fun would that be?