A primary school is giving pupils transgender lessons after lunchtime supervisor Chris Kean (pictured) revealed plans to change to a woman

A primary school has brought in transgender lessons for its pupils after a canteen worker revealed plans to change to a woman.

Headteacher Mike Fish wrote to parents saying staff had started 'preparing' children for the transition by lunchtime supervisor Chris Kean.

He explained that the 38-year-old had realised over the last 25-30 years that she had gender dysphoria and was transitioning from a man to a woman.

Mr Fish said that Over Primary School, in Cambridgeshire, where pupils are aged four to 11, would give the children more information and the opportunity to ask questions after half term.

He explained that Ms Kean has been attending a gender identity clinic and is due to start living full-time as a woman during the summer holidays next year.

The headteacher wrote: 'All staff in school have been aware of this for some time and we have begun to prepare children in a very general sense by taking opportunities in class and assemblies to talk about equality, diversity and different life-choices.'

Mr Fish has asked parents to inform the school if their child is already aware of Ms Kean's decision so other pupils can be told 'in a controlled manner.'

The letter concludes: 'I sincerely hope that as a school community we can show our support towards Chris and his family during what will be a challenging time.

'I also hope that we can take this as an opportunity to help prepare and educate children to live in our diverse British society and to develop values such as individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.'

However, the decision to provide transgender lessons has come in for criticism from some parents, who say they should have been consulted first.

Mike Smith, 47, a web designer who is the father of two girls aged nine and five, said: 'What we object to is our little one - who can't even spell left and right yet - hasn't been taught anything about sex education, but we have been told they are going to be teaching about transgender issues.

'Talking to a child of that age, without asking our opinion first, is absolutely disgusting.

'I don't have a problem with him doing this, but I would like to have been told before my children were told.'

His wife Jennifer, 42, added: 'I was angry about it, and I think a lot of people are.

Headteacher Mike Fish wrote to parents saying staff had started 'preparing' children for the transition by lunchtime supervisor Ms Kean. But some parents have criticised the school for not consulting them first

'It is confusing enough in life for children as it is, and I just don't understand how a four-year-old is going to understand that.'

Mr Fish defended the school's decision, saying : 'I don't think there is anything to consult on.

'Obviously the children needed to be prepared and informed rather than things just happening.

'We were going to have a talk to children, and I am happy to speak to any parents ahead of that.

'I have heard from three or four parents since Friday and they have all been positive. I haven't had any negative comments at this stage.'

Mr Fish added: 'We have shared the situation with parents and carers now to give plenty of time for discussion to be had about the way forward.

'I think our openness to this is clear in my original letter. As a school we always seek to work in partnership with parents and take on board their views.'

Mr Fish said that Over Primary School (pictured), in Cambridgeshire, where pupils are aged four to 11, would give the children more information and the opportunity to ask questions after half term

Another parent, whose son attends the school, said: 'I wish him all the best with what he is going through.

'I hope people treat him with respect. I would want my child to show him respect.

'Well done to the primary school. Here is hoping there aren't too many dinosaurs out there to cause hurt.'

The school has been in contact with Cambridgeshire charity SexYOUality which offers advice and training on gender.

A spokeswoman said: 'It is about talking to children and having a response about celebrating difference as opposed to being fearful.

I hope we can take this as an opportunity to help prepare and educate children to live in our diverse British society Headteacher Mike Fish

'No child is born racist or homophobic and no child is born to have a fear of gender.

'Gender can be an area where people such as teachers feel they need some advice and support and we are here to offer that in Cambridgeshire.'

One teacher at the school, who asked not to be named, said: 'I’m just supporting him as best as I can.'

Alex Newton, from charity Stonewall, said it was 'encouraging' that the school was supporting Ms Kean and informing pupils.

He said: 'It’s disappointing to hear that some parents object to their children being taught issues around about diversity and inclusion in an age-appropriate way.

'It’s important that young people have a broad understanding of people’s differences, and we think it’s very encouraging that this school is supporting its trans staff and teaching its students about what trans means.'

Ms Kean has been a lunchtime supervisor at the school since 2013 and a parent volunteer since 2012.