Overview
- An unnamed London primary school teacher was dismissed after telling a Muslim pupil that Britain is a Christian country during a classroom exchange.
- The incident followed his reprimand of pupils for washing their feet in toilet sinks rather than using a designated prayer room provided by the school.
- He was suspended and referred to safeguarding authorities and the Metropolitan Police for a hate‑crime inquiry, which produced no charges.
- An initial ban on working with children over alleged emotional harm was overturned on appeal, and the Teaching Regulation Authority later found no case to answer.
- The dispute has become a touchpoint in debates over free expression, religious accommodation and the use of safeguarding mechanisms in schools.