Controversial Muslim primary school where 'kids as young at 4 at risk of radicalisation' is shut down

A controversial Muslim primary school at the centre of a year-long probe has been shut down under government orders.

The Department for Education has removed the Birmingham Muslim School from its register of independent schools, leading to its closure.

An investigation into its owners, Albayan Education Foundation Ltd, is still being carried out by the Charity Commission, relating to an unreported "serious incident" at the school.

The school's head, Janet Laws, also known as Aisha Abdrabba, was deemed a "potential risk to pupils" and has been subject to an interim prohibition order banning her from teaching.

It's understood the ban was lifted in the autumn.

The school, which had 80 pupils aged four to 11, was shut down on December 16, according to Ofsted.

Two inspectors from Ofsted stood by to ensure Ms Abdrabba was shutting it down.

The school had been under regular review by Ofsted since 2014.

It has previously been criticised for failing to protect pupils from risk of radicalisation and extremism, along with other safeguarding failings.

The owner had been listed, since its opening in 2001, as Ghoma Abdrabba, husband of Ms Abdrabba.

He was once named by the US Treasury for allegedly funding terrorism. His name was flagged in 2006 for allegedly funding the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, purportedly linked to Al Qaida.

Mr Abdrabba, also known as Ghunia, denied the claims of terror links and later successfully had his name removed from a sanctions list.

Birmingham City Council said it was working with parents and leaders of the school to identify suitable arrangements for the former pupils.

A council spokesperson said: "Our officers have been supporting all the families of pupils from Birmingham Muslim School since the decision was taken for the independent school to close and will continue to do so.

"Children have either moved to other local schools or some families have opted to educate their children at home."

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