A teddy bear book that has been used to explain transgender issues to children at a St Albans school has caused a debate nationwide.

The Telegraph and the Daily Mail have both reported on a lesson from the No Outsiders charity which was held at Prae Wood Primary School in King Harry Lane.

According to the Mail Online, a teacher read a book from the organisation to children, which explains how an unhappy boy teddy called Thomas becomes happy when he transforms into a girl teddy called Tilly.

In the book, a conversation takes place between a male teddy bear called Thomas - who feels he was born in the wrong body - and his best friend Errol. 

Prae Wood Primary School told the Herts Advertiser that it "prides itself on reinforcing self-confidence, body positivity and respect".

One St Albans resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Childhood is precious and should be retained for as long as possible.

"However, our very young children are routinely being exposed to a deeply biased adult perception of life - and we as a society are doing nothing to challenge or prevent this.

"It is also not right that schools are not called to account and challenged for allowing this to happen."

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When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Prae Wood Primary School defended the lessons: "The school takes all matters of equality, diversity and inclusion seriously, indeed, the school prides itself on the curriculum they teach reinforcing self-confidence, body positivity and respect for others."

The No Outsiders charity aims to promote an inclusive education and "prepare young people and adults for life as global citizens".

The organisation has produced a guide, with a variety of lesson plans that can be used by schools that wish to teach their children about inclusivity.

Over 40 picture books have also been produced, with the intention of educating pupils about a number of issues.