Nick Gibb, the schools minister, has confirmed that more than half of the free schools that are planned to open later this year are yet to secure a site.

Mr Gibb said that only 35 of the 79 approved schools already know where people in education jobs will be teaching children in a few months' time.

The government has, however, sought to reassure concerned parents by revealing that negotiations are progressing with most of the schools.

Speaking to the Times Educational Supplement, Natalie Evans, chief operating officer of the Schools Network, observed: "This is something the government really needs to think about."

She added: "Finding premises is extremely difficult, and is one of the biggest frustrations and a real headache for groups."

Free schools are, of course, one of the flagship policies of Michael Gove, the education secretary.

They are designed to make schools more autonomous, though the concept has proven to be controversial.

Primary, secondary and supply teacher recruitment at Capita Education Recruitment.