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A school nativity descended into acrimony and “oppressive racist language” as parents jostled for the best views of the stage.

Teachers at Redriff Primary in Rotherhithe, which is rated outstanding by Ofsted, have issued a stark warning after tempers flared at the early years production of the Christmas play.

One audience member allegedly called others “foreigners” in front of staff and pupils in the small school hall.

A parent tweeted: “My son’s school nativity was marred by racism — subjected to xenophobic hate from a parent who thought it OK to call others ‘foreigners’.

"The school called it out and sent a code of conduct to parents.”

In a letter, head of school Charlotte Heath said she would be forced to ban abusive parents from future plays.

She said: “I am saddened that at the early years nativity an incident occurred where derogatory and oppressive racist language was used and voices were raised.

"This behaviour in front of staff, children and families is not acceptable and will not be tolerated on any grounds.”

Redriff Primary has about 500 pupils, aged four to 10.

In a blog post, executive head teacher Mickey Kelley — who went to school near Belfast — said: “Our hall is small I know, and of course as a parent you are interested only in your own child and of getting a good photo of them.

“However, I was surprised to hear that [at a performance on Wednesday] some parents were rude to one another and aggressive.

"I was affronted to hear it said that an individual had the gall to call some of our other parents ‘foreigners’. As a foreigner, I take that personally.

“We will not tolerate racism or racists in Redriff School. If you hold racist beliefs then hold your tongue or go to another school. These children will not be exposed to your filth.”

The school is raising money for Children of Peace, a charity dedicated to bringing Palestinian and Israeli children together, to help end suffering in the Holy Land.

Mr Kelley said: “[It is] where our Nativity story is set, a place where Islam, Judaism and Christianity sit together uneasily.

"But peace is not made in a far off land, peace is made in our hearts and peace is made with our neighbours.”