Parents and teachers are involved in a drive to open a government-funded school which teaches the alternative "Steiner" method.

Supporters are putting together a bid to open a school in Exeter which would implement the teaching method which focuses on the "whole child".

They are hoping for funding under the Free Schools scheme. Successful applicants will be funded by government, but free from local authority control.

The Steiner technique is based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, who founded the first school in Germany in 1919. There are now nearly 900 around the world, including 23 in Britain – only one of which is already state-funded.

Exeter already has a Steiner school, but it is paid for by parents.

Jenny Salmon, lead proposer for the Steiner Academy Exeter, said: "The emergence of Steiner schools in the state sector is good news for a growing number of parents concerned about the increasing pressures placed on children by testing regimes and a rigid curriculum.

"Our vision is for a school where children are free to learn at their own pace through play, creative activity and hands-on experience.

"We believe that children need a holistic education – giving equal attention to their intellectual, social, emotional, creative and physical needs."

The bid will be for an academy which would deliver an all-through education for children from the age of 4 to 16.

Interested parents can sign the petition on the academy's website, at www.steiner academyexeter.org.uk.

A public meeting will discuss the plans at Exeter Central Library on Tuesday, from 7 to 9 pm.

"Although Exeter already has a small, parent-funded Steiner school, we know that very many more parents in Exeter would like Steiner education for their children than can possibly afford to pay for it," Ms Salmon said.

Exeter's existing Steiner School will hold an open day to provide more information about the teaching method.

It will be on March 14, from 10am to midday.

For more information, contact the school on 01392 427200.