Parents in dispute over equality teaching at Parkfield Primary School in Alum Rock kept up to 500 pupils off school today.

Consultation broke down last week amid claims the school had failed to heed the concerns of the mainly Muslim parents about the content of the award-winning equality lessons and storybooks.

The school - part of the Excelsior Multi Academy Trust - announced it was restarting the equality programme No Outsiders from September with modifications, including a new name 'No Outsiders for a Faith Community'.

But the consultation outcome was immediately condemned by community representatives who took part, one labelling it 'a shambles'.

Earlier this week a small but angry protest was held at the school gates in a sign of mounting discontent.

Jay Hussain speaking outside Parkfield School

There have also been furious confrontations between parents and school leaders, some filmed and shared on social media, after a small number of mums were banned from the premises.

But today up to 500 pupils were kept off school in protest over the school's handling of the issue, claimed parents. A school source said the number was closer to 370. The school roll numbers around 700 children.

In a statement, the Parkfield Parents' Group, whose representatives took part in consultations, said they had been left with 'no alternative option' but to hold a mass withdrawal of pupils.

The protest outside Parkfield School in Birmingham against the reintroduction of No Outsiders

They added that parents had "lost all confidence" in the school leadership - and as a result many were now considering moving schools or home educating their children.

Said the statement: "As an expression of frustration and dissatisfaction with the school’s leadership team and to best serve the educational interest of our children we had no alternative option but to hold a mass withdrawal of children from the school today (Friday).

"Parents are reaching a distressing point to this ongoing standoff due to the fact we are unlikely to reach any positive outcome with the current school’s leadership team...parents are currently seeking to move their children to alternative local schools and considering home schooling options to best serve the needs of their children’s educational needs."

The protesters' actions have been condemned by human rights lawyer Nazir Afzal, who worked hard without success to try to broker peace at nearby Anderton Park School over LGBT equality complaints.

Nazir Afsal

"Parents at Parkfield, as at Anderton Park, have mistaken consultation for negotiation. This was not about two sides negotiating a compromise," he said.

"The school's role was to better explain what it was doing, and why - and then do it, in such a way that is respectful and age appropriate. Withdrawing 500 children from school and denying them access to education is unacceptable."

Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne has mediated with parents, the school and the Department for Education over equality teaching at Parkfield for the past four months to try to end the impasse.

He said: "The talks we have had involved hours and hours of hard work by parents, teachers and DfE officials and have actually made a lot of progress.

"But we've not yet achieved 100% harmony and that is the goal."

Over the past three days he has met with Education Secretary Damian Hinds in person, with council leaders, the regional schools commissioner and the school to try to hammer out a way forward.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The Department welcomes the efforts Parkfield and parents have made over recent months to engage in thorough discussions on the teaching of equalities at the school.

“Parkfield has listened to parents’ views and redesigned its equalities programme as a result. We trust headteachers to consult with parents – as Parkfield has done – and have been clear that ultimately schools decide what is taught.

Parkfield Community School CEO, Hazel Pulley
Parkfield Community School CEO, Hazel Pulley

“There is no reason why teaching children about the society that we live in and the different types of loving, healthy relationships that exist cannot be done in a way that respects everyone’s views.”

No Outsiders 'supports homosexuality'

At the heart of the dispute are concerns that teaching young children about LGBT equality is not age appropriate and is in conflict with religious beliefs held by many of the school's mainly Muslim parents.

Parkfield was the location for the first round of protests earlier this year, when a group of angry mums, mostly devout Muslims, launched a protest and petition against the school for the No Outsiders programme, which they claimed 'supported homosexuality.'

Andrew Moffat MBE, assistant headteacher at  Parkfield, was targeted by some campaigners.

The protesters claimed their young children were being told 'it is okay to be gay' - a message that they say is at odds with their religious beliefs.

Andrew Moffat

A short inspection of Parkfield School by Ofsted confirmed it remains 'outstanding' and ruled the lessons taught through No Outsiders are 'age appropriate'.

There were hopes that parental fears would be allayed as a result and the furore would die down.

In March the school announced it was suspending No Outsiders while it consulted with parents.

Soon after, protests started at the gates of Anderton Park School in Sparkhill. The school does not teach No Outsiders but introduces equality messages into its everyday lessons and assemblies and uses some picture books featuring LGBT characters.

Protesters at Anderton Park School

The protests at the gates there have since been outlawed by a temporary high court injunction, which is due to be heard at a full trial later this month. (July)

We have attempted to speak to Parkfield School throughout today without success.

The Parkfield Parent Group Statement in Full

"We, as parents and citizens of this great country, fully support and endorse British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths, non-faith and beliefs.

"We understand and respect the Equality Act 2010 is the law. The nine protected characteristics of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Race, Religion and Belief, Sexual orientation, Pregnancy and Maternity we consider to be equal, with no characteristic considered to be greater or lesser than another.

"We, the parents are extremely disheartened and saddened with the conduct of our Parkfield Community School’s leadership team. We unconditionally love and care about our community school that has served the needs of our children for several generations.

"We tremendously respect the dedication, commitment and hard work of every teacher, teaching assistant and lunch-time supervising staff that have committed their time and efforts in serving our children.

"We unequivocally condemn the labels that have been applied to us of “bigoted and homophobic” and “homophobic extremists”.

Protest outside Parkfield School

"We would like to reach out once again to our LGBT community to clear up any misconceptions, build bridges and strength our bond in this diverse community by offering our apology for any actions that may have upset them as this was not our intention.

"We fully recognise and respect the equality circle is a large space that can accommodate all of us without anyone impinging on each other’s rights.

"We the parents are part of this great city, this country and part of the fabric of our society that is bound together by love and care for our families, neighbours, friends, colleagues and our entire communities.

"We respect and embrace all people, including those of different ages, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, physical abilities, religious beliefs and sexual orientations.

"In terms of our mediation with Parkfield school’s leadership team, we can confirm as of Friday 28th June, both the parents and the school leadership team failed to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.

"The mediation process was positive in terms of creating an opportunity between the school’s leadership team and parents to engage and collaborate. Regrettably, this failed outcome position was reached because the school’s leadership team throughout the mediation process did not take the process seriously and did not consider parents to be equal partners in the relationship and demonstrated an authoritarian approach by:

1. Speaking to parents in an unreasonable manner, did not apply language that united us, failed to create synergy and cooperation between us.

2. Consistently applied an overbearing approach to exert influence, authority and power.

3. There was no warm, charismatic reassuring, encouraging open dialogue, instead, each meeting was full of cold and inhuman responses to the plight of parents.

4. Consistently broadcasted media messages against parents to present us in a negative manner during the mediation process.

5. Questions and concerns presented by parents during the mediation remain unanswered.

Throughout the mediation process parents have called for an independent review of the ‘No Outsiders' programme at Parkfield school, this was initially agreed but never undertaken.

"Parents were clear about working with the school’s leadership team to rebuild our relationship, demonstrate respect and work within the guidelines of the educational framework to achieve a positive mutual agreeable outcome for the benefit our children’s education.

"Whilst we appreciate that the school leadership team attempted to introduce a new curriculum by Mr Moffat, entitled ‘No Outsiders for a Faith Community’. Parents have unanimously declined to accept this curriculum because the new programme was not adequately discussed, considered and consulted upon.

"Parents have lost confidence in all versions of the No Outsiders Programme. We want a programme that covers the Equality Act 2010 fairly and a programme that follows best practice guidelines of the educational framework.

"We strongly believe and understand the No Outsiders programme, as well as the No Outsiders for a Faith Community, fails to do this adequately.

"We have genuinely and sincerely supported the school’s leadership team and wanted to move forward together in the best interests of our children, however, we feel that our rights and wishes as the primary educators of our children have been violated and ignored.

"In the last week or so we have come to the year group consultation meetings and have learnt parents are being informed by the school’s leadership team that the new curriculum was agreed upon, this was inaccurate and misleading. When we voiced the truth, we were intimidated and shut down.

"Any valid questions, comments and queries put forward by the parents were ignored. Instead of addressing the concerns of the parents, the school’s leadership team have used heavy-handed tactics and have banned and excluded several parents from entering school premises on the back of these meetings.

"This position has been further escalated by placing security guards at the school entrance. So, we have this bizarre position of parents dropping their children off out on the street and not being allowed to enter school premises, and parents have not been allowed to participate in school sports day.

"The school summer fair has been cancelled as the school’s leadership did not want any parents onsite.

"We strongly feel this not acceptable, completely out of character for a school leadership to conduct themselves in this way and is very wrong.

"The school’s leadership team continues to undertake disproportionate action against parents by creating further divisions and escalating the matter beyond what it is.

"We are feeling the adverse impact of this relationship breakdown, our children are been further isolated from parents and some cases parents and children are been discriminated against and been treated differently.

What Do Parents Feel?

1. This issue is not about our children and their education anymore, it has been hijacked by: -

Some individuals to weaponize the LGBT and the political establishment against parents

Overbearing approach has been applied to exert influence, authority and power by school’s leadership team

Financial gains of the school to continue selling the ‘No Outsiders’ programme

Fame and glory of ‘No Outsiders’ programme

2. We strongly believe the pressure of media, political influence and the firm and uncompromising approach of the school’s leadership team is shaping the outcome

3. We feel we are the victims of discrimination for speaking up as parents

"Unfortunately, we have reached an impasse with the school’s leadership team due to their unwillingness to build, repair and bridge this important relationship with parents in a sincere manner.

"As an expression of frustration and dissatisfaction with the school’s leadership team and to best serve the educational interest of our children we had no alternative option but to hold a mass withdrawal of children from the school today (Friday 12th July 2019).

"This was not the desired option for us.

"Parents are reaching a distressing point to this ongoing standoff due to the fact we are unlikely to reach any positive outcome with the current school’s leadership team. Therefore as a consequence parents are currently seeking to move their children to alternative local schools and considering home schooling options to best sever the needs of their children’s educational needs.

"Finally we fully appreciate it is only by being respectful, tolerate and inclusive that we all can progress and achieve success together. We will continue to demonstrate a positive attitude, respect and desire to work together with Parkfield school’s leadership team."

Many Thanks,

Parkfield Parent Group

Time Line

How Birmingham LGBT lessons row became the debate of the nation

  1. Jan 2019: First signs of trouble

    A group of angry mums, mostly devout Muslims, launched a protest and petition against their school for introducing a programme that they said 'supported homosexuality.'

    Andrew Moffat MBE, assistant headteacher at Parkfield Community School in Saltley, was the primary target for campaigners.

    They were critical of a programme he piloted, called No Outsiders, which includes a series of children's books which run alongside sex and relationship education (SRE) lessons.

    The protestors claim their young children are being told 'it is okay to be gay' - a message that they say is at odds with their religious beliefs.

    Muslim mums protest outside school for 'promoting homosexuality' to their kids 

  2. Councillor speaks out to defend parents

    Local councillor Mohammed Idrees agrees that being open about LGBT in the classroom 'is not a good idea'.

    The comment sparks a backlash.

    Click here for more

  3. Formal complaint for 'homophobic remark'

    Soon after the councillor apologises for 'getting it wrong' but a formal complaint alleging 'homophobic remarks' is made.

    In the period since, very few councillors have openly offered their opinions on the issue.

    Click here for more

  4. No Outsiders creator Andrew Moffat speaks out

    In his first interview since the debate erupted, Parkfield's assistant head Andrew Moffat talks about the personal impact of the protests.

    He says he felt threatened and targeted.

    Click here for more

  5. March 2019: Ofsted rules lessons are 'age appropriate'

    A short inspection of Parkfield School by Ofsted confirms it remains 'outstanding' - and rules the lessons taught through No Outsiders are 'age appropriate'.

    There are hopes that parental fears will be allayed as a result and the furore will die down.

    Parkfield School No Outsiders LGBT row - pupils taught about equal rights ARE right age, says Ofsted 

  6. National reach

    By now the coverage of the issue has exended beyond Birmingham.

    National newspapers and broadcasters are highlighting the issue, with BBC, ITV and Sky TV cameras zooming in on the little community of Alum Rock.

  7. Rumours and misinformation are fuelling the protests: claim

    The impact of protests on staff and parents at Parkfield are addressed in these two articles which focus on the physical and psychological impact of 'fake' rumour and innuendo.

    Revealed: The 'false' claims being made about Parkfield School 

    Parkfield School teachers 'shaking, losing weight and stressed' after parent protests over No Outsiders

  8. Andrew Moffat presents a mock lesson about No Outsiders

    A video shows Andrew Moffat presenting a 'No Outsiders' lesson during his presentation at the World's Best Teachers awards. He was a finalist in the prestigious awards for his pioneering work on diversity in schools.

    You can watch that video on YouTube by clicking here.

  9. April 2019: The voice of Muslim faith leaders

    There are concerns that the voice of Muslims of faith is being lost in the increasingly polarised debate.

    We invited Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre to contribute with a first person opinion piece.

    'We need tolerance on all sides over schools LGBT teaching - or risk more hate against Muslims' 

  10. March 2019: Protests continue while MPs urge calm negotiation

    MP Liam Byrne, whose constituency includes Parkfield School, and neighbouring MP Shabana Mahmood, representing Ladywood, step up to support parents.

    Both condemn homophobic chants and banners but also urge respect for religious beliefs and call for dialogue and consultation.

    Khalid Mahmood says he understands parental fears about the age appropriateness of the subject matter.

    Read Shabana Mahmood's comments by clicking here.

  11. Protest grows and schools react

    By now the issue is not isolated to a single school.

    Five schools run by the Leigh Trust in the city suspend equality lessons; a school run by the Inspire Education Community Trust follows suit.

    But a school in Sparkhill is the one selected as a target by campaigners.

    Anderton Park Primary faces a new wave of daily protests.

    Some protesters warn parents they will 'go to hell' if they don't sign a protest petition.

    Two angry mums, meanwhile, challenged protesters and say they are in the wrong.

    In response, the school's head says she feels "under siege".

  12. The debate reaches BBC's flagship Question Time - but the programme's handling of the issue comes under fire

    It was probably intended to sound like a 'neutral' question to trigger discussion.

    But when a Question Time audience member asked: "Is it morally right that five-year-old children learn about LGBTQ+ issues in school?" there was an instant social media backlash.

    BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson tweeted: "LGBT 'issues'?

    "Like what?

    "That we exist?

    "One of them, RIGHT HERE, is on your TV every morning."

    A day later the BBC reminded staff 'not to air personal views'.

    Education Secretary Damian Hinds was among the panelists who supported LGBT teaching - but did say schools should always consult with parents.

  13. 'Don't let homophobia set us back 30 years' - a parent speaks

    BirminghamLive's politics and people editor Jane Haynes, who has a gay son, gives her personal take on the debate - and triggers more conversation.

    Read her comment piece here.
  14. Anderton Park Primary is now the sole focus for protestors

    Anderton Park Primary, located at the end of a cul de sac, is now the focus of national debate.

    Every school day, protestors led by organiser Shakeel Afsar gather to chant slogans and wave placards.

    The protests reach a stand off, with protest organisers claiming to have the support of most of the school's parents for a threatened boycott - while head Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson vows she will not be intimidated.

    Parents threaten to withdraw 'up to 400' pupils.

    The head teacher vows: "I won't back down".

  15. Gay campaigner and writer Owen Jones reports on the issue

    Commentator Owen Jones visits Birmingham to interview key players in the protests.

    His video story can be viewed here.

  16. April 2019: A brief lull

    At Parkfield Community Primary, where the first protests were held, mediators including MP Liam Byrne and the Regional Schools Commissioner continue to host talks between the school and parents.

    Lessons are suspended until a resolution is reached.

    The solution wanted by the parents' group, who are supported by Alum Rock Community Forum, is unstated but they remain in consultation.

    At Anderton Park Primary, the protest leaders are unequivocal - they want the head to resign and any teaching about LGBT equality to end until a large scale consultation is held with parents.

    Education Secretary Damian Hinds clarifies that parents do not have the right to veto parts of the curriculum they disagree with.

    Teaching unions and LGBT campaigners insist schools should not be forced to compromise - and that what is being taught at both schools meets legal requirements and is age appropriate.

  17. May 2019: City council acts to try to shut down lead protestor Shakeel Afsar

    A warning letter is issued to Shakeel Afsar, the lead protestor, telling him to stop a series of activities in the vicinity of Anderton Park School - including using a megaphone, and harassing or intimidating staff, parents and children.

    The warning does not go down well, nor does it stop Mr Afsar, who turns up to lead the next protest days later. Other protestors take over the megaphone.

    He says he is prepared to risk a Community Protection Notice to continue his campaign.

    Read about the warning letter here.

    And about Mr Afsar's return to the school protests here.

  18. Newsnight, Sky and more descend on city

    TV cameras from the BBC and Sky are turned on Anderton Park School. Their interest coincides with the angriest protest day so far, with around 60 people, including young children, turning out to chant for the head to go and for consultation to take place.

    Claims and counterclaims fly around on social media as both sides dig in.

    Internationally renowned human rights lawyer Nazir Afzal offers to mediate for free. His presence has yet to bring about reconciliation.

    Meanwhile, over at Parkfield School, all is quiet while mediation talks continue, without any sign yet of a decision about what happens next.

  19. May 2019: 300 protestors at the school gates - school closes early to safeguard kids

    Around 300 protestors gathered at the gates of Anderton Park School in a national day of action. Head teacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson closed the school early amid concerns for the safety of pupils, parents and teachers. The protest was on the eve of Birmingham Pride event.

    During the protest one speaker talks of the school's leaders having a 'paedophile agenda'.

    Campaigners repeat calls for more consultation with parents and say books available at the school are 'inappropriate' for young children.

    Read more HERE

  20. May 2019: Reflecting on the national focus on a little Birmingham primary school

    Protests, smears and a headteachers's tears - in a feature we reflect on the impact of the protests and how a community has been left divided.

    Read more HERE

  21. June 2019: Human rights lawyer Nazir Afzal attempts to mediate to halt protests

    In our exclusive press interview, Brum legal expert and human rights activist Nazir Afzal - who prosecuted the Rochdale child grooming case, high profile celebrity sex attackers and those behind honour killings - blaimed the "cowardly" Government for letting down the schools over the protests.

    Mr Afzal, who tried to broker peace at Anderton Park School, was not holding back on what, or who, he thinks is responsible for a dispute that is dividing the community.

    "The Government has been cowardly," he says.

    "They have failed to lead and own this issue (around equality teaching), leaving the burden unfairly on the shoulders of head teachers. It is disgraceful."

    Read the full interview HERE

  22. 20 June 2019: Injunction comes into force banning protests close to Anderton Park School

    High Court agrees to throw a protective ring around Anderton Park School, prohibiting protests at the school gates.

    Read HERE

  23. Muslim councillor Majid Mahmood urges end to protests

    Coun Majid Mahmood, a practising Muslim and dad of four, said he had decided to speak out because he feared the voices of Birmingham’s Muslims were being drowned out in the melee surrounding Anderton Park School.

    Full story HERE

  24. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street also speaks out about protests

    West Midlands Mayor Andy Street joined a growing alliance of voices standing against the protests.

    The mayor voiced his 'sadness and frustration' over the vocal protests that have been taking place at the gates of Anderton Park School.

    When asked if his own sexuality - the mayor is openly gay - meant the chants and comments caused him additional distress, Mr Street's response was unequivocal: "I’m very clear in my mind that this is not about me defending or shouting up over this because of my sexuality - but because it’s wrong.

    "If any politician was only guided by his own experiences that would be wrong." 

    Read the full interview HERE

  25. Anderton Park head hails 'a glorious day' after new interim injunction granted

    Birmingham City Council secured a new injunction to protect Anderton Park School from protests at the school gates over LGBT equality teaching.

    The new temporary order comes into force immediately. It retains an exclusion zone around the primary school in Sparkhill, banning all protests in the streets circling the school.

    In the aftermath of the hearing, the lead protestors vow to continue to meet at the edge of the zone to continue their campaign. Small groups gather once a week on a grassy area close to the school until term ends.

    Read the full story HERE

  26. Lead protesters meet right wing commentator Katie Hopkins

    Story HERE

  27. Roger Godsiff MP for Hall Green pledged his support to campaigning parents - to the anger of other MPs

    MP Roger Godsiff found himself in a media storm after revealing he understood parents' concerns over teaching younger primary children about LGBT equality and stood with protesters on the issue.

    His comments, made exclusively to BirminghamLive, provoked an angry backlash, including calls for his deselection as an MP.

    He appeared to weather the storm, despite also invoking the fury of neighbouring Labour MPs in the city.

    STORY HERE

  28. July 2019: Parkfield School announces it is restarting No Outsiders - to anger of parents

    School announces No Outsiders in a Faith Community programme will start in September - story HERE

    Parents involved in consultation with Parkfield condemn it as "a shambles" - story HERE

  29. Protest parents return to Parkfield school gates

    It feels as if the protests have gone full circle as a small group of parents gather at the gates of Parkfield School again to voice their anger. Lead parents say they can't agree with plans to resume a plan which proclaims it is "okay to be gay" as it contravenes their religious beliefs.

    Read our story of the protests HERE

    Later the same week, between 370 and 500 pupils are kept off school as more parents show their frustation at how consultation has ended. Some threaten to take their children out completely, claiming they have lost trust in the school. Read our story HERE

  30. Individual heads, not Government, to decide when and how to fulfil LGBT equality responsibilities

    Education chiefs have rejected calls to take pressure off head teachers over LGBT education, despite the spectre of more protests at the school gates.

    The message from ministers - that individual heads, not the Government, must decide when and what to say to pupils over LGBT equality - gives a green light to protesters to 'agitate and intimidate' head teachers, claimed city MP Steve McCabe.

    Read HERE

  31. July 2019: Protestors from Birmingham turn up outside Nottingham primary

    A small number of protesters outside a Nottingham primary are joined by one of Birmingham's lead campaigners Amir Ahmed to campaign over LGBT teaching. A much bigger counter protest is led by parents who support the school.

    Story HERE

  32. Protests coincide with "biggest ever spike" in homophobic incidents in city

    In figures exclusively obtained by BirminghamLive we reveal a huge spike in reports of homophobic hate incidents since the protests started. Full story HERE

  33. Gay PC says not good enough to be tolerated: "I'm not some lower form of life"

    In a revealing interview, West Midlands Police's LGBT lead Gary Stack speaks out about being gay, No Outsiders and 'banter'

  34. Sept 2019: Protests restart outside Anderton Park School as pupils return

    Organisers of protests announce they will be back to show parents remain angry over LGBT equality teaching.

    At the first protest, a small group led by a gay singer show 'musical resistance', singing songs of peace and love. Story HERE

  35. Oct 2019: MP Roger Godsiff faces battle to hang on to his seat

    Local members in Birmingham Hall Green triggered a selection contest after rejecting the chance to back controversial MP Roger Godsiff, who has come under fire over his support for protestors over LGBT equality teaching. Full story here.

  36. National report into counter extremism shines light on Birmingham

    The first report from counter extremism chief Sara Khan, who visited Birmingham earlier this year, claims Islamist extremists have exploited tensions over equality teaching to amplify hate.

    Hizb ut-Tahir and other pro-Islamist organisations allegedly tried to use the dispute, centred on two small primary schools in Sparkhill and Alum Rock, to "promote their belief that Western liberalism was a threat to Islam," says her report. Full story HERE

  37. Behind the gates of Anderton Park School - we explore the "sparkly" school behind the headlines

    Jane Haynes popped into Anderton Park School and found pupils full of sparkle and smiles. Story here

  38. "Fighting for survival of stable family unit" - campaigners ask for cash help to pay lawyers

    Campaigner Amir Ahmed says battle to be allowed to protest at the school gates is proving costly as he asks for cash donations. He says he is "fighting for the survival of the stable family unit."

  39. High Court hearing to decide if a temporary injunction banning protests at school should be made permanent

    A five day hearing takes place at the High Court in Birmingham to decide whether or not to make permanent an exclusion zone around the school.

    Our coverage includes live updates here, and stories from Day One, Day Three and Day Five

  40. High Court judge ruling: exclusion zone is now permanent

    Judgement is released to a packed court - and it is wholly in favour of the exclusion zone being made permanent. The judge also ruled that what is taught at the school has been misrepresented, sometimes grossly so. Protest leaders say ruling is unjust and threaten to appeal. Full story here