The first names of seven pupils allegedly at risk of radicalisation was mistakenly leaked by Greenleaf Primary School to Waltham Forest Council.
Parent, Haras Ahmed, had entered a Freedom of Information request after classes at the school participated in a social cohesion survey. Primary-age pupils were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with statements, such as “it is better to be a dead hero than live impassively”, and “if a student was making fun of my race or religion I would try to make them stop even if it meant hurting them”.
Some parents stated their disappointment regarding the survey as they had not been consulted, also stating that this exercise was racist and targeted Muslim children.
The council has stated that it has launched a full inquiry and has “taken legal steps” to recollect the information.
Haras Ahmed said, “It's been a disaster from the start to finish. Firstly we're told it's a social cohesion policy, and then after various questioning they accept it's a de-radicalisation process and then to release the names of the children in such as insensitive way. Any parent in any school- whether they are of a Muslim faith or non-Muslim or no faith- would be appalled by their children's data, such sensitive data, are released to a member of the public.”
A spokesperson said, “On behalf of the school, the council has taken legal steps to secure all copies of the information. The school has informed the families affected of the action that the council is taking on its behalf, and that the council has launched a full investigation.”
