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A school in New Addington has left parents outraged after it proposed only serving halal meat in the canteen.

Wolsey Infant and Junior Academy, on King Henry's Drive, asked parents yesterday (Monday, September 25) via a newsletter whether they approved of the change.

A petition opposing the proposal has since been created online and has so far been signed by more than 70 people.

Debbie Crozier, 38, who lives on Parkway, has a nine-year-old daughter who goes to the school and told the Advertiser eating halal meat should be optional.

She said: “The newsletter said they are looking at serving halal in the canteen and that it will only be halal meat served. It wouldn’t be an option and it would be halal meat only. I don’t agree with that.

“If they want to accommodate for other religions then that’s fine but it should be at least optional. Our children shouldn’t be forced to eat halal meat.

“I have no issues with it being an option on the menu but I don’t see why my children, along with many other children, should be forced to eat halal meat.

“It’s a choice and unfortunately they have taken that choice away from us and that is unfair.”

The petition, which was created last night (Monday), says: “Parents of children attending Wolsey Step Academy School, in New Addington, were today (Monday, September 25) handed a slip of paper asking [them] to choose if they would like to see the menu go over to halal.

“The simple tick yes or no slip did not provide any explanation [to] inform parents where to go if they object. This has angered some parents and caused discussions on social media.

“Halal meat is prepared in accordance with Islamic law by cutting an animal’s throat while a Muslim butcher recites a religious verse.”

It then questions the timing of the potential change and questions whether this change is needed at all.

The petition adds: “If you are against the school attempting to introduce halal foods on the menu and forcing our children to conform to Islamic beliefs, then please sign this petition and say NO to forced halal.

“Tell them, by signing, you DO NOT agree with the inhumane slaughter of animals in the name of one religion's god over others' freedom and beliefs. Stop the forced introduction of halal foods on our school kids.”

Michelle Brookes, 31, who lives on North Downs Crescent, has two children who go to the school and said if the decision to only serve halal meat was made, it would leave her “angry”.

She said: “I don't think it should become halal completely as not all parents would want their children to eat halal meat.

“I would agree to both halal and non halal being served so there is an option for the children. Unfortunately this is not an option on the newsletter.

“I think I'd feel angry that the option was taken away as I don't feel that it's fair that the children do not have a choice.”

Ashtaq Arain, a member of the Muslim Association of Croydon, believes that children should be given the option of eating halal meat - but agrees that non-Muslim students should not have to eat it.

He explained: “In the case of halal food, in a community like Croydon where you have a large representation of Muslim children going to primary school, there should be an option given for the kids who are Muslims.

“Quite honestly I don't see why the school should put out that letter to the parents.

"They should be able to offer a selection of halal foods without this controversy.

“It is pretty common now, in all schools around the country and not only in Croydon, that halal meat is offered and it is can be eaten by those who want it.”

The school is part of the Step Academy Trust, which manages 13 academies across south London and East Sussex.

The Advertiser has asked Wolsey Infant and Junior Academy for a comment and is awaiting a reply.

*If you are a parent at the school let us know what you think of the proposal by calling 01737 305557 or emailing newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

To view the petition go to www.ipetitions.com/petition/SAYNOTOWOLSEYHALAL .