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.'

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Group Leader- Planning Policy and Strategy

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£54,495 to £58,462
As the Planning Policy and Strategy Group Leader, you will have specific responsibility for directing and overall management Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Relief Cleaner

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.28 per hour
You will be a valued member of our team who will be reliable, dependable and have a strong work ethic. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.47 per hour
You will be a valued member of our team who will be reliable, dependable and have a strong work ethic. Easingwold, York
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Service Manager, Early Help and Best Start in Life

Gloucestershire County Council
£60,532 - £63,895 per annum
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and families? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Building Control Inspector

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
35391 - 49365 + 20% Market Supplement and Car Mill
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner