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<p>As with all new schools, Ofsted inspects free schools prior to opening to ensure that a school is in a position to open and will meet the relevant school standards. New schools can only open if registration is recommended by Ofsted and any conditions set by Ofsted are met.</p><p>All free schools receive a visit from an education adviser in their first term to assess progress since opening. The education advisers report back any issues to the Department.</p><p>Where education advisers have identified any problems, these have been raised with the relevant school's trust. Follow-up visits are then conducted to give assurance that these have been resolved.</p><p>Ofsted conducts a full inspection of all free schools in their second year of operation. Inspections can be brought forward if the Department has any concerns, as happened with Al Madinah free school. So far, Al Madinah is the only free school where this has happened.</p><p>Ofsted has found that two schools, Al Madinah free school and Discovery New school, are inadequate. The Department is taking the necessary action with both schools. Three-quarters of the free schools which opened in 2011 were rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.</p> |