A headteacher has said she is "happy to explain" the religious education curriculum to a man who complained that his 12-year-old stepdaughter had been tasked with writing a letter to her family about converting to Islam for her homework.
Mark McLachlan, from Houghten-le-Spring, near Sunderland, said he understood that children had to learn about all religions but he could not comprehend what could be learned from the assignment which had been set by the Kepier School
"What I don't want is a school asking my stepdaughter to look into reasons for converting to another religion," he told MailOnline.
He said a child could only choose to convert once they are "old enough".
"I have no problem with them learning about religions but I feel they should not be asking 12-year-olds writing to their parents about why they are converting," he said, adding that he had instructed the 12-year-old not to complete the assignment.
However, the headteacher said that staff felt it was "very important to introduce our learners to all faiths and cultures".
"We welcomed Mr McLachlan into school earlier this week and were happy to explain to him how we explore all faiths and cultures," added Nicky Cooper.
She said that the school's religious education programme adhered to the national curriculum.
"We believe it provides the basis for a broad, balanced and engaging introduction to the areas typically taught in RE and PSHCE," she said.
