One of the first free schools to open is facing closure after an critical Ofsted report. 

The Discovery New School, in Crawley, West Sussex, has been open for two years. The Montessori primary school was inspected again last month after being awarded an 'inadequate' rating in June. 

Schools minister, Lord Nash, wrote a letter to the chair of the governors indicating that the government would terminate the school's funding if a suitable plan of action is not drawn up within ten business days. 

Lord Nash wrote: "As Ofsted report that very little progress has been made since the school was placed in special measures I remain extremely concerned about the quality of education children are receiving."

The letter stated the high priority attributed to the well-being and education of the children at the school. The government promised to work closely with trustees and local authorities to find alternative schools for the children if the Discovery was shut down, to ensure that their education wouldn't suffer. 

Lord Nash does praise the "progress" made by the school in between the two inspections, but stressed the magnitude of the "key gaps" that remain an issue. 

Free schools are funded by the government but have more flexibility over the curriculum and staff salaries than state schools do. Over 170 have been established since their inception and can be set up by parents, charities, faith groups and businesses. They are not affiliated to local authorities.

This news comes in light of the Al-Madinah free school in Derby, which has had its governing body replaced. Natalie Evans, director of the New Schools Network, which supports groups opening free schools, defended the concept of a free school. 

She said: "The overwhelming majority of free schools are...providing excellent education whether through bilingual learning, extended days or specialist curricula." 

Ms Evans added that underperformance in schools was "completely unacceptable" and that she fully supported "swift action" taking place to bring about a satisfactory resolution schools that were underperforming.

As a teacher or a qualified trainee looking for teaching jobs in the south-east, would you consider applying for a job in a free school?