Christians Under Attack

Julia Robinson felt the change would promote 'inclusiveness' in the multi- cultural school but faced accusations of racism.

She had sought advice from education chiefs about her plan for Meersbrook Bank Community Primary in Sheffield, where most of the pupils are white Christians.

But the move was stopped after a small number of parents complained and allegedly made claims of racism.

The row led to her being off work for most of last year but she was due to make a 'phased return' this term.

However, further protests from a small number of parents led to her quitting.

Chairman of governors, Sarah Browton, also resigned in support.

Now there are fears a move intended to unify the 240 pupils has instead split the school.

Around a fifth are from ethnic minorities, with about 35 Muslims.

Separate Muslim assemblies were reportedly held at least weekly, led by a parent and open to non-Muslims.

A teacher, who asked not to be named, said: 'The head inherited the separate assemblies and she took careful advice on what to do.

'But when she tried to stop them, she was accused of being a racist. She wanted to hold assemblies for all the pupils. That is what happens in most schools but some parents wanted things to stay as they were.

'The buzzword from the authority is all about community cohesion but there is little cohesion at this school. The staff are very upset.'

One mother with three children at the school said today: 'Mrs Robinson was a marvellous head, the children loved her.

'They have the same teachers and sit together in class so why shouldn't they share a school assembly? She was forced out.'

Another parent, who asked not to be named, said: 'She has been hounded out. Very few people objected to this change.'

Fiyza Awan, 19, a Muslim whose younger sister is a pupil, said problems began when hymns were introduced to the all-pupil assemblies.

'When Mrs Robinson took over she said she wanted one assembly for all the students,' she said.

'We didn't have a problem with that but wanted a secular assembly where no hymns were sung and topics involving all the children could be discussed. But after a while hymns were introduced again and we objected.

'We told Mrs Robinson we wanted our children withdrawn and to have a separate assembly again.

'We felt we were being marginalised. We didn't put any pressure on her, we want continuity at the school, it was her decision to leave.'

Sonia Sharp, director of children's services, told staff it was Mrs Robinson's personal decision and they had to 'move on'.

Tim Benson, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: 'It is highly unusual to have separate assemblies for religious groups.

'I have never had a problem with holding mixed assemblies.'

There were no comments available from the school and local authority or Mrs Robinson and Mrs Browton.

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