THE equality watchdog has said police could take enforcement action over the sharing of a teacher’s identity after they were suspended for showing pupils a caricature of the Prophet Mohammed.

Equality and Human Rights Commission chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner said: “Children’s education should not be disrupted by protests in what has already been a difficult year. The school is taking action and ought to be trusted to do so.

“A teacher’s identity being shared, making them fear for their safety, is simply unacceptable and could result in enforcement action from the police.

“Schools are places where children learn about ideas, values, difference and respect. This sometimes involves exposing them to contentious issues and different views and ideas. For schools to meet their legal duty to foster good relations between people from different groups, this should be done in a balanced, respectful and sensitive way.”

On Thursday, the school “unequivocally” apologised for showing “totally inappropriate” material to children, and said a member of staff was suspended pending an investigation.

A protester speaking “on behalf of the Muslim community” read out a statement outside of the school on Friday, in which he said: “The teachers have breached the position of trust and failed their duty of safeguarding, and this issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“We do not accept that the school has taken this issue seriously, given that it’s taken them four days to merely suspend only one of the teachers involved.”

It comes after Sofia Mahmood, the founder and director of Empowering Minds - which seeks to tackle radicalisation, grooming and child sexual exploitation in Bradford - said more must be done to provide “sensitive” narratives in education.

The director said:“Yesterday, I was teaching a Mothers Against Radicalisation workshop in Kirklees when I heard that protests were being held outside of Batley Grammar school.

"It is a real shame, that even after the challenges we have ensured this year as a society, that ignorance is still prevailing.

"I teach about the importance of early intervention and safeguarding in my workshops, particularly within an educational context and this could not be more pivotal today. While the details are still being confirmed, this situation reminds us of how vulnerable our youth are to harmful narratives and content, and that we must do more to be sensitive and respectful of all.

"I urge all parents to use appropriate channels, to make their voices heard and to foster an open dialogue. We must all ensure they feel safe not only at home, but also at school.”