Children as young as four will be encouraged to ‘explore’ their sexuality at a primary school’s planned 'transgender day'.
St Mary the Virgin Primary School, East Sussex (pictured), will host a series of talks and workshops looking at issues around gender and in particular the acceptance of transgender people.
The Allsorts Youth Project, who are providing the educational toolkit, say they will create a "safe space for trans -and- gender- questioning children, in which they can explore and be themselves".
'Unhappy'
Three families will take their children out of school for the day, and a further ten or so parents have expressed concern about the plans, telling the head-teacher that they are "unhappy".
'Great unease'
One mother, who asked not to be named, said: "Kids need to be left alone when it comes to things like this, they just want to run around the playground, not be told they need to think differently about gender issues."
Another parent said "There is great unease among the parents and there have been complaints to the headteacher".
'British Values'
After a meeting with parents, on Monday, the headteacher Ms Maltby announced the day will go ahead, touting undefined 'British values' as a reason, she said:
"As part of the national curriculum, we spend time talking to the children about ‘British values’ of tolerance, respect and celebrating differences.
"One of the areas we will be discussing shortly is gender identity and we felt that it was important to involve parents in their child's learning by holding an information session.
"We have had a very positive response to the event and the opportunity to learn more about this relevant topic, although three families have chosen to withdraw their children from school."
Libby on Premier
Speaking to Premier radio presenter Antony Bushfield, Christian Legal Centre case worker Libby Powell said it is "extraordinary and very worrying", considering the age of the children, that the 'transgender day' is taking place.
She went on to say that children need to be "lovingly affirmed in the gender that God has given them".
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Listen to Libby Powell speak about a primary schools' 'transgender day' on Premier radio