Bishop says school that changed Easter events 'valued'

A school that faced a backlash after it said it would not be holding traditional Easter events is "deeply valued" in its community, a Bishop has said.

Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, said it would not be holding its Easter bonnet parade and Easter service at a local church.

Some said the decision was "disgraceful", but a parent told the BBC the row was "a storm in a teacup" and the school still marked Easter with activities and events.

The Bishop of Southampton, Rhiannon King, said she and other Christian leaders had contacted the school and had been invited to visit.

The school, which has no religious affiliation, said the changes were made so "all children are able to take part".

"The local vicar of Eastleigh Parish Church, the minister of Eastleigh Baptist Church and I have been in touch with the head teacher and this has been warmly welcomed," Bishop Rhiannon said.

"We are encouraged by the head teacher's assurance that learning about Christian faith remains embedded firmly in the Religious Education curriculum and by her warm invitation to go in and meet some of the children in the new term – an offer we would be delighted to accept," she said.

"Meanwhile, we encourage everyone to enable the staff and children of Norwood Primary School to celebrate the end of term and Easter in peace."

In her initial letter to parents, head teacher Stephanie Mander said 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 a letter to parents.

Among those critical, former home secretary and Hampshire MP Suella Braverman said it represented "cultural surrender".

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