A SCHOOL has been criticised over its safeguarding procedures, with inspectors saying pupil safety is “down more to good fortune than effective practice.”

A newly published Ofsted inspection into Bradford Christian School, in Bolton Woods, praised the school in many areas, but raised concerns over safeguarding.

The report says the school had not made proper checks on staff they recruit, and leaders take “insufficient care to keep a close eye on pupils at risk of harm.”

The school’s head said they “accept responsibility” for the failings but work was underway to make improvements.

The independent school has 146 pupils aged three to 16, and inspectors visited in November. It was judged good at its last inspection.

Much of the report is positive - teaching is described as good and inspectors say the curriculum gives pupils a “truly rounded education.” By the time pupils leave the school their attainment is “above average.”

But inspectors were highly critical of school safeguarding arrangements. Their report says: “If pupils are safe, it can be put down more to good fortune than to effective practice.

“Employment references do not meet requirements and selection processes do not test prospective employees on their understanding of safeguarding.

“No leaders or governors have undertaken essential safer recruitment training.

“The procedures for recording concerns about pupils are lax. Staff have reported concerns and disclosures from pupils, but leaders have not always sought advice or taken action as and when they should.

“Despite these serious flaws, adults actively teach pupils how to stay safe, and pupils feel safe in school.”

In a letter sent to parents, head Phil Moon said: “As a school, we take this extremely seriously and we are confident that we can meet the required improvements. We have already taken swift steps to rectify these short comings.

In a statement to the Telegraph & Argus he added: “The school is well supported by parents as evidenced by the results on Ofsted’s ‘Parent View’.

“We have taken the time to be open and transparent with parents over the results of the inspection. We are confident we have the trust and support of our school community to make the required improvements.

“We accept responsibility for the failings in our inspection, and we now have a business manager in place to enable us to comply with those aspects of safeguarding procedures where we failed to meet regulations.

“A close read of the report will affirm that we are a school that accomplishes many things to a high standard.”

MORE EDUCATION HEADLINES