October 2013 - 2nd Edition
www.asianexpress.co.uk
‘Inadequate’ Muslim Free School reopens Threat of closure if school does not improve conditions Earlier this month a public free school in Derby temporarily closed after being told to take ‘swift action’ about the way the establishment is being run. The Al-Madinah school, opened in September 2012, was reportedly forced to close after preliminary findings from an Ofsted inspection into the school gave it the lowest possible rating. There are claims that female teachers at the school were forced to wear hijabs (a Muslim head scarf) even if they were not Muslim. Other reports suggested that female pupils were looked upon less favourably than their male counterparts and were made to sit at the back of classrooms whilst the boys were at the front. School’s Minister Lord Nash has openly criticised the school for failing to keep pupils safe and provide a good education whilst also discriminating female students and staff. In a letter to the chairwoman of governors, Shazia Parveen, Lord Nash
Michael Gove
ordered the school to provide evidence within one week that there was no discrimination between boys and girls, and alert all staff that they do not have to adhere to cover their hair. The letter read: “The Trust has manifestly breached the conditions of its funding agreement by failing to ensure the safety of children at the school; delivering an unacceptably poor standard of education; discriminating in its policies and procedures towards female staff; and failing to discharge its duties and responsibilities in respect of the governing body. “I will not tolerate breaches of the commitments you gave when entering into the funding agreement.” The letter also noted other actions that the school must take; including satisfying the Government that its curriculum is 'broad and balanced' and that it is welcoming to children of all backgrounds and faiths. Lord Nash warns: “Unless swift action is taken to address these concerns in a comprehensive way I will be compelled to terminate the school's funding agreement.” Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said the situation must be made open to the public, adding: “Given the confusion as to why the school has closed, and that pupils may be returning to the school on Monday, I would ask that these matters be clarified urgently in order to reassure the public.” Al-Madinah was one of the Government's flagship free schools after opening last year as part of Education Secretary, Michael Gove’s nationwide programme. Interim principal of the Derbyshire school, Stuart Wilson, said he had not received any complaints from colleagues regarding the dress code, which was made clear to all staff and applicants. "While unfortunate, my decision to close the school related to a short-term health and safety issue that has now been completely resolved and will not reoccur," a statement on the school's website read. “[The school] will be open as normal on Monday,” Mr Wilson added. Ofsted are expected to publish their final report in the next couple of weeks.
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