Parents in Manchester have contacted primary schools following the temporary suspension of the LGBT lessons in Birmingham's Parkfield Community school. Reports have emerged which indicate that the parents have contacted close to seven primary schools stating how they are unhappy over sex and relationships lessons that teach children about LGBT rights.
Following these protests, the council is working with parents in resolving their concerns. Meanwhile from September, the government is also introducing new guidance on how children learn about sex and relationships in schools. The curriculum is being updated for the first time in 20 years where children from the age of four will learn about these lessons that will include LGBT content as well.
The school managements have been approached to discuss the inclusion of the lessons in the curriculum.
Whereas, in a fresh row over the temporary suspension of LGBT classes as part of the 'No Outsiders” lessons at the Parkfield community school, in Birmingham, Sir Michael Wilshaw, a former head of Ofsted has proposed that the school “should absolutely reinstate these lessons”.
Parents have claimed that these classes are “promoting LGBT ways of life” and that they are promoting a “westernised lifestyle” elements of which are in conflict with the Muslim culture.
“Conservative religious people [can] uphold their views but also they’ve got to understand that they are living in this country, in a pluralistic society with liberal values, that strongly believes that people should be treated fairly and equally,” said Sir Michael Wilshawv at BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Other schools to follow the suspension include Leigh Trust which has said that it would not continue the programme at Leigh primary in Washwood Heath until the completion of a full consultation with parents. It is understood the suspension will affect three other primary schools in the area, which are managed by the trust.
The letter stated the lessons had been suspended until the board of directors were able to have “meaningful and open discussions” with parents.
Meanwhile, Hazel Pulley, Chief Executive Officer of the trust which runs the Parkfield school, has spoken about how the staff had lost weight and were not sleeping. She added that the situation had been the most "challenging" in 27 years in education.
