A Muslim free school that closed its doors just hours after Ofsted began an inspection is expected to be judged inadequate, it has been reported. Al-Madinah school in Derby, which has faced accusations of introducing strict religious practices, is likely to be given the lowest rating in all areas. The school has announced it will reopen to pupils on Monday 7th October. The interim principal, Stuart Wilson, took the decision to close the school on Tuesday on health and safety grounds after inspectors shared their initial findings with him.
While Ofsted’s report has not been finalised, preliminary findings have given the school the lowest rating. Al-Madinah, which is one of the government’s flagship free schools, opened in September last year.
Ofsted declined to comment on the reports and a Department for Education spokesman said: “We were already investigating this school before allegations became public. We discussed the problems with Ofsted and it launched an immediate inspection. We are waiting for Ofsted’s final report and considering all legal options.”
