A south London school has apologised and introduced policy changes after concerns were raised about a Palestinian-themed children’s event held on its premises.

The school will change its lettings policies to avoid hosting politically charged events, has disciplined staff members who wore political emblems at school, and plans to include antisemitism awareness training during the next staff training day.

The school in Streatham, for children aged from 4 to 18, came under scrutiny after a “Palestinian Cultural Event” for children was advertised to take place at the school last December. The event programme included activities such as face painting, biscuit decorating, storytelling and dabke dancing.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) sent a letter to the school immediately before the event, arguing that while it had no objections to the cultural activities, some of the planned actions could amount to political messaging in a school setting. Members of the local community also raised concerns about the event.

UKLFI’s complaint to the school pointed to imagery associated with Palestinian political symbolism appearing in promotional materials and activity ideas. These included biscuits decorated with designs such as a map of the territory between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea in Palestinian flag colours, a watermelon motif used as a symbol of Palestinian identity, and other politically associated imagery.

Children at the event would be assisted in writing to their MPs, and it is assumed that these letters would be about anti-Israel boycotts.

UKLFI also pointed out that many of the activities at the event on the school premises would be likely to involve children who attend the school, and could be seen as partisan political activities, promoting the Palestinian political cause.

The letter argued that hosting such activities for children on school premises could potentially conflict with sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996, which require schools to avoid promoting partisan political views and to ensure balanced treatment of political issues.

In response to the concerns raised, representatives of the local community met with the school on 3 March 2026. Following the discussions, the school issued an apology and confirmed several measures aimed at preventing similar controversies in future. These include changes to the school’s lettings policies to avoid hosting politically charged events, disciplinary action against staff members who wore political emblems at school, and plans to include antisemitism awareness training during the next staff training day.

A spokesperson for UK Lawyers for Israel said “We welcome the constructive response from the School and the steps it has agreed to take following the concerns raised. Schools have a legal duty to ensure political impartiality, particularly where young children are involved. We are glad that the matter has led to a review of policies and additional training, and we hope the outcome will help ensure that school premises remain welcoming and respectful for all members of the community.”