Al-Madinah Islamic free school closed down

BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24360100 


A Muslim free school accused of imposing strict Islamic practices, such as segregated classrooms, has closed following an inspection by Ofsted. The BBC understands Ofsted's findings were so damning that the acting head of Al-Madinah, in Derby, had little choice but to shut it down immediately.


Interim principal Stuart Wilson said: "Owing to a health and safety issue, I have taken the decision to close the school... until I am confident that all children are safe on site.

Newspaper reports had alleged that girls were forced to sit at the back of the classroom and unnamed female staff members had claimed they were forced to conform to a strict dress code including wearing a head scarf or hijab - whether or not they were Muslim.