MP steps in to help build bridges in row over school's religious workshop outing

Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, said today: "Enough is enough."

Littleton Green Community School in Cannock was forced to abandon the trip at the eleventh hour after a demonstration which saw the police called.

• Pupils told to attend religion trip or face penalty

• Police called to school protest over religious workshop

A letter from headteacher Lynn Small insisting that pupils take part or have a racial discimination note on their school records had infuriated parents and sparked a protest. The head later withdrew the threat and apologised.

However the visit was called off after a 45-strong group holding placards picketed the school in Huntington on Wednesday, the day the outing had been due to take place. The parents vented their anger at Mrs Small at the latest protest and have vowed to carry on. But Mr Williamson said it was time for parents to accept Mrs Small's apology and end their protest.

Referring to the head's letter, he said: "It was obviously a silly thing to have done but it was put right and now it is time to move on. Our priority should be the best interests of the children and their education. If there are any continuing concerns from the parents I would be happy to host a meeting between them and the school to see if this cannot be properly thrashed out."

But Donna Ward, aged 34, whose eight-year-old daughter attends the school, said: "It's not good enough. The head shouldn't have done what she did."

Around 100 pupils were due to take part in the workshop at Staffordshire University where Islamic artefacts would have been displayed and explained.

Mrs Small said exposing pupils to other faiths and cultures was part of the school's statutory duty. The school and Mrs Small declined to comment.