School that axed Easter service 'will still celebrate'

A school that faced backlash for cancelling its traditional Easter celebrations over religious inclusivity has hit back, saying it would still be marking the holiday.

Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, had announced it was axing its Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service at a local church.

After a letter, seen by the BBC, was sent to parents, the school came under criticism for what some said was a "disgraceful" decision, with a protest against the plan now organised.

The school has said the changes were made in consultation with parents and that Easter would still be celebrated at the school with various activities and events.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the school said: "To be clear, we are marking Easter in school and as with other religious festivals, children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both educationally in our RE lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term."

They said the school, which has no religious affiliations, had decided not to visit the local church and instead celebrate the holiday "where all children are able to take part and benefit".

"Changes were made in consultation with our parent forum, and we have received many positive messages regarding these," the spokesperson added.

Some parents at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC the controversy was a "storm in a teacup".

"It's really surprising that this has happened and it's caused such an uproar, because it [Norwood Primary] is such an inclusive school and there's so many people from so many different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions," one said.

Following the letter sent to parents by head teacher Stephanie Mander over the weekend, the word Easter became the number one trending topic in the UK on social media platform X.

In her initial letter to parents, Miss Mander explained that the decision had been made "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented" in the school's community.

"Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background," she said in the letter.

"By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families."

She added that the school would also be "celebrating inclusivity" by taking part in Refugee Week events in June.

Among those to criticise the decision was former home secretary Suella Braverman, who said: "This isn't inclusivity; it's cultural surrender."

"Britain's Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who'd rather appease than preserve," she added.

Former MP, and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, George Galloway also said: "Cancelling Easter in any school in Britain is completely unacceptable and the government must make this clear."

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