The Birmingham school at the centre of a fierce row over whether children should be taught about LGBT rights has suspended the lessons until a solution can be found.
For weeks, parents at Parkfield community school in Saltley, Birmingham, have been protesting about the school’s ‘No Outsiders’ programme, saying it “promotes” same-sex relationships.
Around 600 children were reportedly withdrawn from the school for day in protest earlier this month, and police have confirmed detectives are investigating reports of homophobic graffiti on the school premises.
This week Ofsted cleared the school of any wrongdoing and praised Parkfield’s record on promoting “tolerance, acceptance and mutual respect” and confirming its Ofsted rating of “outstanding”.
The school temporarily paused the programme in response but has now said the programme as been suspended until the row has been resolved.
It hopes no other children will be removed from lessons to take part in any further protests.
In a statement, the school said: “Nothing is more important than ensuring our children’s education continues uninterrupted.”
The school said that “constructive discussions” had been held between parents, the school and the regional schools commissioner.
The statement said: “As a result of these discussions we are eager to continue to work together with parents, over the coming days and weeks to find a solution that will support the children in our school to continue their education in a harmonious environment.
“Until a resolution has been reached, No Outsiders lessons will not be taught at Parkfield and we hope that children will not be removed from school to take part in protests.”
The ‘No Outsiders’ programme is devised by award-winning teacher Andrew Moffat, who was awarded an MBE for his work in equality education.
Moffat, who is shortlisted for a world’s best teacher award, resigned from another primary school also in Birmingham after a similar dispute with Muslim and Christian parents.