A school accused of "indoctrinating" its pupils by putting up a Pride flag has hit back after being bombarded by attacks on social media.
A post on X, now viewed 200,000 times, blasts Westmeads Community Infant School in Whitstable for “plastering ideological symbolism” across the Cromwell Road site.
A Conservative peer is among hundreds who have joined in the criticism of Westmeads’ decision to put up the large flag and 10 smaller ones during Pride month.
But head teacher Kirsty White told KentOnline: “Westmeads is an inclusive school in every sense.
"Equity is one of our core school values underpinning everything we do and fundamental to our ethos.
"We feel strongly that representation for every member of our community matters.
"We will always celebrate our diverse community through a progressive curriculum representative of British values.”
The row erupted on Monday night when writer and “social commentator” James Esses shared pictures on X of the rainbow colours on the school fence and said: “Dear @westmeadsschool, could you kindly explain why you appear hellbent on indoctrinating 4-year-old children by plastering this ideological symbolism all over your school?”
The flag supporting the social movement serves as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and is a visual reminder of the struggles those within society face.
But others believe it was wrong to display it at the school, which has 156 pupils aged up to seven.
House of Lords peer Dame Jacqueline Foster says it is “wholly inappropriate”.
Writing on X, the Tory added: "All materials referring to ‘sex education’ have to be age appropriate and this is not.
"Infants do not come in to any category at all - it should be removed immediately."
Among more than 400 comments in response to the post include accounts slamming the flags as “sleazy”, “creepy”, “gross” and “disgusting”.
Westmeads has since locked its X profile to prevent further comments being directed towards it.
When asked his thoughts on the situation, Cllr Chris Cornell (Lab, Gorrell) said: "Our town is a very LGBTQ+ inclusive place and this homophobia is awful."
Pupils’ parents have also come out in defence of the school.
Mum Olivia Thomas explained: "The community created around the school is wholly-centred on inclusivity.
"The school values are a really important part in ensuring our children and next generation grow up understanding and celebrating diversity, feeling safe to be themselves and always welcoming different views.”
Hayley Johns said: “Choosing this school for my child with its values and leadership, and its strong sense of community ethics was absolutely forefront in my decision, and I will defend it.”
Marie Lewzey added: "I couldn’t be prouder to send my child to Westmeads Community Infants School. Westmeads’ values are those we, as a community, nation and global society, should aspire to embody.
"Its atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity has had such a positive impact on my child's development.
"Because of Westmeads, I learn from my child's openness and inquisitiveness every day."
Ms White took over as head of the school in September 2021.
Westmeads was then given its first Ofsted rating in 14 years the following summer.
Although downgraded from 'outstanding' to 'requires improvement,' inspectors rated the school as 'good' for behaviour and attitude, personal development, leadership and management and early years' provision.
When noting children's wellbeing, the report said: "Pupils at Westmeads Infant School are happy and carefree.
"They enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities at break and lunchtimes.
"Leaders ensure the school’s core values, particularly love and kindness, are understood by all."
