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Teachers are claiming that parents who are taking their children out of Religious Education classes because they don't want them learning about Islam are racist, it's been reported.

Concerns have been raised about mums and dads reportedly misusing their right to pull their kids out of classes at school, inhibiting their ability to explore big questions and critical thinking.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers’ annual conference was told this was tampering with schools' attempts to prepare youngsters for modern society in the UK.

It was told of instances where parents with prejudices including "including Islamophobia and antisemitism" wanted to remove their children from certain lessons or visiting places of worship - as apposed to instances where parents object based on religious beliefs.

The union is urging the Government to take steps in ensuring parents do not selectively prevent their children learning about individual religions, The Telegraph reports.

(Image: iStockphoto) (Image: iStockphoto)

Richard Griffiths, from the union's Inner London branch, said they were not suggesting taking away the right of parents to pull their kids out of classes - as in some cases there may be a reason based on religious beliefs.

He said the motion was about ensuring this right was not being abused, in cases where parents may have "prejudices including Islamophobia and antisemitism".

Mr Griffiths told the conference: "I'm sure you are well aware of the dangers of members of society closing themselves off to the rest of the world, the dangers of social media channelling an ever more extreme reflection of people's beliefs, without balance, and the dangers of those children who are ignorant of other religious beliefs and non-beliefs, and lack an understanding of the way that individuals, regardless of religion, can work together and make a positive difference to society are increasingly vulnerable to targeting by extremists."

(Image: iStockphoto)

The union's vice president Kim Knappett added that she had seen a letter from a parent requesting their child was removed from Religious Studies.

According to the reports, the letter was so "foul" she thought the authorities needed to be informed.

A Department for Education spokesperson told Mirror Online: “Good quality religious education can develop children’s knowledge of the values and traditions of Britain and help foster understanding among different faiths and cultures.

“Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or any part of religious education, but schools should make sure that parents who want to do this are aware of the religious education syllabus and its relevance to all pupils.”