A heated row has erupted between parents and teachers after the introduction of unisex toilets in a new school building.

The £12million building at Buxton School in Leytonstone, east London, has been equipped with same-sex toilets for pupils over the age of eight.

Executive headteacher Kath Wheeler welcomed the introduction of full-height unisex cubicles, while younger children use toilets in or attached to their classrooms.

The school has pupils aged three to 16, but the younger children will not use the unisex toilets.

Parents of pupils at Buxton School are furious at the addition of unisex toilets and have voiced concerns of increased sexualisation and child abuse

Ms Wheeler said the toilets have created safe spaces where pupils show respect towards each other and feel respected, and noted the toilets meet the Department of Education and Waltham Forest council regulations.

But a petition calling to close the toilets reached 500 signatures in 24 hours, with outraged parents claiming the toilets would initiate sexualised behaviour and could lead to assaults.

Worried mother Shaila Hussain said: 'This concept of mixed toilets will not only make children feel differentiated but shame in using toilets.

'This will initiate more sexualised behaviour. It would be better to keep it separated as it's safer.

'The toilets leading to the corridor can still be open, for staff to oversee single sex toilets.

'Having the unisex toilets will allow nothing but more mischievous behaviour.'

Hannah Cuthbertson said unisex toilets will just lead to children becoming sexually active even earlier.

She added: '[That] In turn leads to more sexual assaults and problems, children are too young to understand the implications.'

Firuza Beg believes the toilets could increase the risk of child abuse.

She said: 'There's already so much child abuse going on and this will increase the situation even more.

'If anything does happen then the headteacher and other associates will be fully responsible. Totally disgusting.'

The school has a new £12million building, where the toilets have been added for children aged eight and above

Some parents have said there shouldn't be any issue, and the school has defended the decision. Same-sex toilets will still be open as an option to pupils

However, many people see this a progressive step in the right direction.

According to Jade Slaughter, unisex toilets will make it much easier for trans and non-binary students.

She said: 'I can't see any problems with it.'

Caroline Emma Burns said she is not sure what people are concerned about.

She said: 'Everyone should be able to use the toilet in peace whether in unisex or single sex toilets.

'Hopefully the kids will be taught to be respectful of each other, whether in the toilets or not.'

Glynis Ford thinks Brits are just too precious and should take Europe's lead, where unisex toilets are more common.

Ms Wheeler is inviting parents to take tours of the new facility and reminds those concerned that there are single sex toilets still available.