Children taught about lesbian, gay and bisexual issues at a Birmingham primary school ARE at an appropriate age, Ofsted has ruled.
Heated protests have continued outside Parkfield Community School gates in recent weeks as parents have slammed lessons surrounding LGBT.
Mums, dads and angry campaigners have been rallying against the No Outsiders curriculum at the school in Saltley, which teaches youngsters about the Equality Act.
However, during a monitoring visit amid "concerns about aspects of effectiveness of leadership and management", senior Ofsted inspector Peter Humphries said equality lessons were taught in an age appropriate manner.
Mr Humphries, following a visit on February 13, said: "The majority of parents understand how the school helps their children to play a positive role in modern British society by developing their appreciation of British values.
"However, a very small, but vocal, minority of parents are not clear about the school’s vision, policies and practice.
"This group of parents feel that staff do not sufficiently listen to their concerns.
"Their view is that the PSHE education and equalities curriculum focuses disproportionately on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues and that this work is not taught in an age-appropriate manner.
"Inspectors found no evidence that this is the case."
He added: "Almost all of the parents who completed Ofsted’s questionnaire, Parent View, and who spoke with inspectors share the school’s vision and are happy with the quality of education the school provides.
"You and your staff have forged positive links with parents.
"You have done this by inviting parents to assemblies and workshops and to observe lessons.
"You have also put on classes for parents that include childcare, information technology and English for speakers of other languages."
The senior inspector did, however, told leaders at Parkfield Community School to "further develop the school’s engagement with parents, so all parents have a clear understanding of the school’s policies and procedures".
In a joint statement observing feedback by Ofsted, headteacher David Williams and CEO of the Excelsior Trust - who runs the school - said the report was "great news".
In a letter to parents, the school said: "The great news is that we maintain our outstanding status.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, parents and pupils who have enabled such a report to be written by Ofsted.
"We are feeling very proud indeed."
