Mark Whitehead 03 June 2019

Birmingham council granted interim injunction to protect school from protests

A court order banning protests over sex education outside a Birmingham school is set to be reviewed next week.

The interim injunction was imposed after an application by Birmingham City Council following several weeks of protest outside Anderton Park Primary School where pupils were returning today after the half term holiday.

The council's leader Ian Ward urged parents to engage in constructive dialogue with the school over their concerns.

The mainly Muslim protestors complain that the local authority school should not be teaching pupils about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships.

But headteacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson says the lessons are 'age-appropriate', for example by teaching younger pupils that some children may have two parents of the same sex.

The interim injunction prohibits all forms of protest within a specific area around the school.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: 'I'm pleased that common sense has prevailed because children right across Birmingham should be free to attend school safely and without disruption.

'All our schools must be safe spaces and we will not tolerate the ongoing intimidation of parents, hard-working school staff and local residents.

'This interim injunction has been secured in time for the return to school and now hopefully the pupils will be able to continue their education in peace for the remainder of the summer term.

'We'll continue to support the school and its staff and I would urge parents to take this opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with the school about any concerns they may have.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Place

Pembrokeshire County Council
£132,063 - £145,050 plus lease car allowance of £9,576 and relocation package
As the custodian of place, you will lead a broad and influential portfolio Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro)
Recuriter: Pembrokeshire County Council

Senior Traffic Engineer

Salford City Council
£47,181 - £50,269
Join us as a Senior Traffic Engineer to play a valued role in the regeneration of Salford Salford, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Salford City Council

Head Teacher

Durham County Council
£67,898- £78,702
Permanent position- Full Time.   Required for 1 January 2027.  The Governors seek to appoint a committed, experienced and enthusiastic teacher with se Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Applications and Development Officer

Durham County Council
£28,142 to £31,022 p.a. Pay Award Pending
A vacancy has arisen within our Microsoft 365 Team, part of Applications and Development, for an enthusiastic, customer-focused and flexible Applicati Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 (Pro Rata)
Fixed Term Contract until 31st August 2027 Full Time- Term Time plus 2 weeks Required to start 1st September 2026   The Governors seek to appoint an i Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner