Displaying items by tag: primary schools

On 20 June the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in the favour of Christian teaching assistant Kristie Higgs who was sacked over her Facebook posts highlighting inappropriate sex education materials at her child's primary school. The judgement overturned the decision of an earlier tribunal for not properly considering Kristie's rights to freedom of belief and freedom of expression. Praise God that her solicitors secured this breakthrough and thank Him for this step forward, even though Kristie’s story isn't over yet. The case must now go back to the employment tribunal. Judge Eady apologised to the parties for the delays caused by her having to now send the case back for a re-hearing, which further delays full justice for Mrs Higgs. Pray for Christian parents to be free to raise their children in line with their Christian beliefs, and for children to be protected from transgender ideology. 

London's mayor Sadiq Khan is launching a £130m scheme in September to give every primary school pupil free school meals during the 2023-24 academic year. That’s 270,000 children, saving families £440 per child. Mr Khan, who received free school meals himself, said, ‘The cost of living crisis means families are in desperate need of additional support. I have repeatedly urged the government to provide free school meals to help already stretched families, but they have simply failed to act.’ Newham, Islington, Southwark and Tower Hamlets councils will also offer free school meals; last month Westminster City Council also began providing free school meals for primary pupils. Charities and teaching unions have welcomed the plans, but some have urged the Government to step up wider support. The Children's Food Campaign said healthy school food for all must not just be an emergency measure. It should be part of a fully inclusive education system for the long term.

People across the United Kingdom have voiced their concerns about age-inappropriate LGBT teaching. The government has responded to a parliamentary petition that has now gained over 200,000 signatures. The clear request from those signing is in response to the aggressively promoted LGBT content which schools are now using. The numbers are so high that a parliamentary debate is now planned.

Last week we prayed for sex education to be the responsibility of parents not schools. This week four more schools in Birmingham have stopped teaching about LGBT rights following complaints. The No Outsiders programme in Birmingham will now be suspended until an agreement with parents is reached. The debate began when Parkfield Community School suspended the lessons following parents’ protests. Campaigner Amir Ahmed said some Muslims felt ‘victimised’, but an LGBT group leader said No Outsiders helped pupils understand it is OK to be different. Leigh Trust said it was halting the lessons until after Ramadan, which finishes in June. Also, seven primary schools in Manchester, which have been contacted by parents unhappy over sex and relationships lessons that teach children about LGBT rights, have asked school management to discuss the inclusion of the lessons in the curriculum.