Parents at a Church of England primary school have complained after claiming that a trans supply teacher told seven-year-old pupils 'I'm so gorgeous because I've put makeup on and had a shave.'

Year 2 pupils were said to have been left 'confused' when the teacher - who was wearing women's clothing - explained their gender identity to them at the start of an English lesson.

Bitterne Church of England Primary School in Southampton, Hampshire, said it had not been aware that the issue would be discussed in class.

According to one seven-year-old pupil's parent, the teacher said: 'If you're wondering why I'm so gorgeous, it's because I've put makeup on and had a shave.'

Rachel Bennet, whose daughter was in the class, has complained to the school.

Parents at Bitterne Church of England primary school (pictured) have complained that a trans supply teacher told seven-year-old pupils 'I'm so gorgeous because I've put makeup on and had a shave'

She said: 'I think it's a bit much for Year 2 children and can be very confusing for them.

'It seems to have caught everyone off guard, particularly when my daughter was in an English lesson and the teacher is talking about their gender and wearing women's clothing.

'You could understand more if it was a PSHE (personal, social, health, education) lesson but then the parents should have been notified beforehand.'

She added: 'We have strong religious values, and you have to question whether it's something the children need to be exposed to at this age.'

In response, headteacher Jen Johnson sent a letter to parents and carers.

It said: 'I want to make it very clear that whilst we were not aware that the supply teacher would be sharing this information related to their gender identity ahead of teaching the lessons, we are a tolerant and respectful school.

'Moving forward, and having spoken to the supply agency, we have reaffirmed the school's expectations for what we expect supply teachers to deliver.'

In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: 'Our schools, including Bitterne C of E Primary School, use supply teacher agencies who apply rigorous checks to deliver high quality teaching staff and safeguard students.

'The supply teacher in question is well regarded and the quality of the teaching was of a high standard.

'In classroom, the supply teacher introduced themselves and then responded to a small number of questions about their gender quickly and without detail, before moving on swiftly to deliver the lesson in a professional manner.'

They added: 'Bitterne C of E Primary School, like many schools in Southampton, has a policy of inclusion and the school has written to parents and the letter has been positively received, with many parents offering supportive feedback.'