A school previously accused of “indoctrinating” its pupils by putting up Pride flags has been rated outstanding across the board by Ofsted.
Westmeads Community Infant School in Whitstable was bombarded with criticism on social media in June last year after one user on X claimed it was “plastering ideological symbolism” across the Cromwell Road site.
Its decision to put up the large flag and 10 smaller ones during Pride month was branded “sleazy”, “creepy”, “gross”, and “disgusting” by some – while a Conservative peer called it “wholly inappropriate”.
However, following an inspection in January, the school has been awarded full marks by Ofsted.
Speaking to KentOnline, headteacher Kirsty White reiterated her dedication to creating an inclusive atmosphere and thanked her staff and the education watchdog for its backing.
“We’re absolutely delighted. We’ve worked incredibly hard with real integrity to ensure that we can provide the very best education we can for every single child that comes to Westmeads,” said Ms White, who took over in September 2021.
“We’ve worked with research, we’ve been progressive, we haven’t made easy choices but we’ve made the right choices.
“The impact on the children’s lives is absolutely why we come to work every day.
“Inclusion’s at the heart of everything we do and it should be at the heart of everyone who works in education.
“It’s incredibly important that every child is represented, is able to be themselves at school and is able to feel part of the community.”
The school was rated outstanding – the highest possible grading – in all five categories: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
In a debrief meeting after the visit, lead inspector Jo Brinkley told Ms White they were “changing children’s lives” thanks to their approach to education and inclusion.
It is a clear improvement in performance compared to its last inspection in 2022, where officers told Westmeads it “requires improvement”.
In its recent report, inspectors wrote: “Pupils are eager to attend this school. Everyone is welcomed into the strong ethos of kindness. Pupils develop self-confidence, and they truly thrive.
“Pupils are self-motivated to demonstrate the school values, for example by helping each other and caring for the school environment.
“Disadvantaged pupils benefit especially well from the ambitious and inclusive ethos of the school.
“The school develops pupils’ characters exceptionally well. Staff are proud to be part of this aspirational school.”
The row over the Pride flag erupted when writer and “social commentator” James Essex shared pictures on X of the rainbow colours on the school fence and said: “Dear @westmeadsschool, could you kindly explain why you appear hellbent on indoctrinating 4-year-old children by plastering this ideological symbolism all over your school?”
The flag supporting the social movement serves as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and is a visual reminder of the struggles those within society face.
But others believed it was wrong to display it at the school, which has 143 pupils aged up to seven.
House of Lords Conservative peer Dame Jacqueline Foster was one, calling it “wholly inappropriate”.
“All materials referring to ‘sex education’ have to be age appropriate and this is not,” she wrote on X at the time. “Infants do not come in to any category at all – it should be removed immediately.”
However, Whitstable councillor Chris Cornell (Lab) supported the school, saying: “Our town is a very LGBTQ+ inclusive place and this homophobia is awful.”
Pupils’ parents also gave their backing.
Mum Olivia Thomas said: “The community created around the school is wholly centred on inclusivity.
“The school values are a really important part in ensuring our children and next generation grow up understanding and celebrating diversity, feeling safe to be themselves and always welcoming different views.”
Hayley Johns said: “Choosing this school for my child with its values and leadership, and its strong sense of community ethics was absolutely forefront in my decision, and I will defend it.”
Marie Lewzey added: “I couldn’t be prouder to send my child to Westmeads.”
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