The government declared on 10 April that it has abandoned plans to register and inspect out-of-school education settings, including Sunday schools and youth groups.
Over two years ago the Department for Education issued a call for evidence on the subject, and around 75 per cent of responses disagreed with the proposal. Consequently, Ofsted will not be asked to monitor such institutions.
The Evangelical Alliance commented: “These proposals would have had a profound effect on religious freedom and fundamental human rights, and consequently we welcome the news that the government are listening to the concerns of those who responded.”
Coalition for Marriage added: “Many Ofsted inspectors already try to enforce a narrow view of ‘British values’ that labels as extremist anybody speaking in favour of traditional marriage. Expanding the inspectorate’s scope could only have made it harder for real marriage supporters to explain their beliefs.”