The petition, which was created on 12 January and is due to last for six months, had been signed around 200,000 times by the morning of 1 February.

It was launched by Fares Rahmani, an Algerian government official, who urged the government to amend the curriculum.

“We believe kids shouldn’t learn about this at an early age,” the petition’s description states. “I am sure there are many parents who do not want their or other children taught about LGBT in primary school.”

On 30 January, the Department for Education issued a response and confirmed it has “no plans to change its advice to schools on this subject.”

“The statutory guidance states that all pupils should receive teaching on LGBT content during their school years. Secondary schools should include LGBT content in their teaching. Primary schools are strongly encouraged and enabled, when teaching about different types of family, to include families with same sex parents,” it continued.

“Through these subjects, children will be taught about the importance of respectful relationships and the different types of loving and healthy relationships that exist. This can be done in a way that respects everyone’s views.”

The statement added that “faith perspectives” are also allowed to be taught and “balanced debate may take place about issues that are seen as contentious.”

The government also emphasised that Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) “is designed to give pupils the knowledge they need to lead happy, safe, and healthy lives and to foster respect for other people and for difference.”

The petition is set to run until 12 July 2023.