A primary school’s decision to cancel Easter celebration has been branded “outrageous”.

Norwood Primary School headteacher Stephanie Mander sent out a letter informing parents and guardians of the decision at the end of last week.

The move has sparked confusion and anger amongst parents, Eastleigh residents, and even a Hampshire MP.

Suella Braverman, Conservative MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, shared her thoughts on social media platform X.

She said: "‘Refugee Week’ is more important than Easter because of ‘respect for diverse beliefs’.

"This isn’t inclusivity; it’s cultural surrender.

"Britain’s Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who’d rather appease than preserve.

"Where’s the respect for our country’s heritage? Shameful."

Concerns were also raised by those living in Eastleigh.

For Hugo Pasha, decisions like this create “hate and resentment” among communities.

Commenting on the Daily Echo Facebook page, Hugo said: “I say this as a Muslim, we live in a multicultural society, actions like this are what causes resentment, division and negativity between people from different groups of faith.

“It does nothing to help inclusivity if it leaves any religious customs out.

“If this is a school’s view, what would happen if we ended up at a point where they consider cancelling Easter holidays because not all people observe it in the name of inclusivity?”

Norwood Primary SchoolNorwood Primary School (Image: Google Maps) For Diane Essex, the scrapping of the school’s Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service is “erasing all fun and joy from everyone”.

She said: “Surely whatever your beliefs, spring flowers, bunnies and chocolate associated with Easter is nice for everyone.

“Easter is about new beginnings, let them celebrate that.”

READ MORE: Primary school scraps Easter service to ‘respect diverse religious beliefs’

Rachel Hailey added: “They are kids, let them have their bonnet parades.”

In her letter, which was shared with the Echo on Saturday, Miss Mander said respect for diverse religious beliefs represented within the school was the reason behind the decision.

But Kayleigh Bulpitt said it is “ridiculous” and hit out at the “need to get rid of a religion”.

She said: “It’s like getting rid of Diwali or Ramadan to respect others in the class.

“It’s not right. Easter and Lent is being celebrated at the same time as Ramadan this year and it’s beautiful to see, especially to compare the similarities and differences and learn from different cultures.”

Tânia Ribeiro said it is “absolutely outrageous”, but Jim Maynard thinks keeping religion out of schools is thew way forward.

He said: “We should keep religion out of school; we’re not a medieval theocracy we’re a modern democracy where Christians are a minority religious group.

“Children should learn about religions but not be forced to partake of any.”

However, Emma Jowett said cancelling the Easter events is disrespectful to Christian beliefs.

She said: “Why not celebrate them all, rather than cutting out the actual religion of the UK?

“Very sad to see this, this isn't respectful or inclusive.”