Thousands of 'hidden children' in suspected illegal schools, Ofsted warns

'Young people attending these schools may be at significant risk of harm and indoctrination'

Head of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw told the Education Secretary he is ‘extremely concerned’ about the number of illegal schools (Rex)

Thousands of children are hidden from authorities in unregistered schools across England, Ofsted’s chief inspector has warned.

Sir Michael Wilshaw's warning comes after The Independent revealed thousands of children had disappeared from council records into illegal Jewish faith schools in north London.

Inspectors have identified 100 suspected unregistered schools since a team was set up in January to investigate the problem.

Last month, the education watchdog issued seven warning notices to suspected illegal schools in London, Birmingham, Luton, Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent, where they found about 350 children on the premises.

In a letter to the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, Sir Michael said inspectors had been alarmed by some of the issues they found.

He told her: “The evidence that they have gathered so far during this short period firmly reinforces my belief that there are many more children hidden away from the view of the authorities in unregistered schools across the country than previously thought.”

Sir Michael added: “What we have found so far is likely to represent only a small proportion of the illegal schools operating across the country. Inspectors are hearing about suspected new cases every week.

“I therefore remain extremely concerned about the number of children and young people attending these schools who may be at significant risk of harm and indoctrination.”

Ms Morgan had asked Sir Michael last year to set up an Ofsted taskforce to investigate suspected illegal schools, and pursue those responsible for running them.

Inspections uncovered serious fire hazards, including obstructed exits and inaccessible fire escapes, as well as schools with unsafe and unhygienic premises.

One case involved the discovery of chemicals and chemistry equipment in an unlocked food cupboard in a room where children ate their lunch.

Staff and volunteers were also found to have not been properly checked or cleared to work with children.