A Garston primary school is under fire for a scheme that offers additional learning support to black and mixed race pupils only.

Parents of youngsters attending Alban Wood Primary School say they are "disgusted" their children are being segregated by the colour of their skin.

Black and mixed race pupils received a letter last week explaining the school in The Brow had been allocated a budget to offer them extra classroom support.

At a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Black Children's Achievement Project concerned parents were told "gun culture" and a lack of positive black role models in society was affecting educational achievement.

Parents, however, are angry because the scheme is aimed only at black or mixed race children, and is not based on ability.

One mother, who has two children at the school and asked not to be named, said: "It's as if black children learn differently and need to be taught differently. That's what's upset people.

They say children need extra help because of their skin colour."

Another mother, who has a daughter at Alban Wood, said: "I don't bring my kids up that way so why should they go to school and be taught that way.

"Children go to school as one and it's going to cause segregation.

"They might as well put them on separate buses.

"Whether black, white, pink or blue, if a child needs help, they need help.

"They don't need to distinguish between race."

The project was given the go-ahead this term after it proved successful last year for a handful of pupils.

Sharifa Chaudry, chair of the Multi Racial Community Centre in Watford, said parents should accept support if it is available.

She said: "Some parents do feel that having extra support is in some way labelling their child as underachieving.

"If children are getting extra support, what is the harm?"

A Hertfordshire County Council representative, speaking on behalf of the school, said: "The school employed a support worker for one day a week last term and was keen for the support to continue because it had a positive effect. MECSS was able to fund this excellent work for one or two days a week for a further term.

"The school funds a variety of extra help across the board, of which this is just a small part, and welcomes any funding which helps all children reach their full potential."

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