Advertisement

Parents pull children from Mosque trip over safety fears

Parents at a Cornish school have banned their children - some as young as eight - from a school trip to visit a Mosque over safety fears.

Around 100 primary school pupils were due to go on the religious education trip to learn about different faiths.

The students in Years Three to Six at Lostwithiel School, will visit a cathedral then tour a mosque in Exeter. They will observe the appropriate dress code, and remove their shoes, before watching a congregational prayer and asking questions.

But around ten pupils have now been pulled from the trip after their parents said they have 'grave concerns' about the teaching of Islam.

Head teacher Carolyn Huxley said the trip was still taking place on May 7.

We have grave concerns about the children's safety during the trip due to the horrific events that occur every day.

We have therefore decided not to send our children on this trip. This decision is not one based on ignorance or racial or religious beliefs, but one based purely on safety concerns.

– Parent who did not wish to be named

This is the first time pupils from the school have visited a mosque and it's an exciting opportunity for them to learn about different faiths and ensure that they're aware of the diverse nature of modern Britain.

Because of recent news reports about extremist groups, such as ISIS, that identify themselves with Islam, a small number of parents have expressed concerns about the trip and the teaching of Islam in school.

In response, the school held a special assembly with children to discuss these issues, and the head teacher has met and sent letters to parents with specific concerns.

– Kat Smith, the chairman of governors

We would have thought a well-rounded education involves learning about those of a different faith. These laudable initiatives take place across the country.

It is therefore disappointing to hear that some parents have chosen to pull their children out of a visit to a mosque due to events elsewhere in the world. We hope this incident is atypical and not reflective of a growing sentiment against Muslims in this country.

We commend the headteacher for rightly stating that such a visit will help her pupils to understand real Islam and dispel the myths and hysteria that surrounds our religion.

– Muslim Council of Britain