A Blackburn primary school has responded after some parents raised 'concerns' over the teaching of ‘LGBTQ+ values and inclusion’.

Wensley Fold CofE Academy highlighted how lessons on equality and diversity would help the school to achieve a Rainbow Flag Award in a now-deleted Facebook post.

The award is a national quality assurance framework for all schools and youth-centred organisations.

It focuses on ‘positive LGBTQ+, inclusion and visibility lessons’, to help children gain a better understanding that people have different sexual orientations and gender identities but are all equal.

The Wensley Fold school population is made up of predominantly Muslim children and parents have hit out against the plans.

They said their 'biggest concern' was that 'parents had not been consulted during the process' and that 'teachings on the issue were against religious beliefs of the children'.

A local campaigner has supported the school's decision, saying promoting inclusivity is 'key to a healthy society'.

A WhatsApp group has been set up by aggrieved parents demanding action and people were being encouraged to post their disapproval under the school’s post.

The group has more than 200 members but it is unclear if all are parents.

By Thursday morning the Facebook post on the Wensley Fold page had been removed by the school.

The school said all teachings to gain the accreditation would be ‘age appropriate’ and it would ‘not change anything with regards to the curriculum taught at the school’.

According to its website, the Rainbow Flag Award ’encourages a whole organisation approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTQ+phobic bullying’.

The award aims to ‘self-determine which are the most appropriate ways to implement positive LGBTQ+ inclusion in your settings, that best compliments staff, young people and wider communities.’

Once gained, the award process - which costs £795 - is valid for a further two years.

Any monies generated by this scheme ‘help support, often underfunded, LGBTQ+ youth provision locally’.

In a statement, Donna Simpson, headteacher at Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy, said: “Wensley Fold endeavours to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

"We aim to empower children to have a voice and to stand up against discrimination, valuing equality, tolerance and mutual respect.

“The Rainbow Flag Award will strengthen our work in this area, by equipping teachers with the skills they need to tackle any LGBTQ+phobic prejudice.

“This award will not change anything in regards to the curriculum we follow at the school. Relationships Education is compulsory in all primary schools.

"The curriculum we teach is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate.

“We are also clear parents and carers are the prime educators for children on many of these matters.”

A letter by some aggrieved parents to the school reads: “As parents we are absolutely appalled to find out through a Facebook post yesterday that you as a school are working towards the Rainbow Award with no advance warning.

"We do not support the school in this aspect. It is not compulsory nor necessary to teach this to our young children.

"We have looked at the curriculum content and we wish to know exactly what has already been taught/exposed to our children.

"There is a reason why we have chosen Wensley Fold. As a church school, your values align to our Muslim beliefs.

“We send our children to school for an education, not indoctrination.”

A statement from the Blackburn Diosese read: “The Diocese of Blackburn encourages church schools to follow the commandment of Jesus to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. In doing so schools are encouraged to understand others and respect everyone for who they are.

"Schools are responsible for any materials they use and should choose materials that promote understanding and respect for others.

"Church schools will also share Christian beliefs on relationships and will be cognizant of the beliefs of pupils in the school balancing love for others with respect for religious freedom.”

Asif Mahmud, a Community Activist from Blackburn who has campaigned against all forms of discrimination, said: “I think it is wonderful the school is championing the Rainbow Flag accreditation.

“All children should be taught to respect all the different genders and sexual orientations.

"Promoting inclusivity, especially of those who are marginalised is key to a prosperous and healthy society.

“Those people who themselves have been victims of hate should be more sympathetic towards other minorities.

"I do however feel the school should have approached parents and consulted on the matter beforehand.”