Parents are outraged after a letter was sent out asking if they would like a New Addington school to serve only halal certified meat.

The letter by Wolsey Junior Academy - sent out on Monday - has already attracted more than 70 detractors as a petition was launched in opposition to the school going halal.

A statement on the website for the petition said: "Halal meat is prepared in accordance with Islamic law by cutting an animal’s throat while a Muslim butcher recites a religious verse.

"Why have the school decided to offer this choice now after all this time in charge since changing to an academy?"

The letter in question asked parents if "you would like Wolsey to become a halal school?"

"This would mean that all meat served in our kitchen will be halal meat only."

It then asked you to tick one of two boxes - in favour, or not in favour.

Wolsey Academy headteacher Claire Majumdar said the school was happy to talk to parents about concerns and noted the letter did not mean a change was imminent.

"This all began after a parent wrote me a letter asking if we offered halal meat in the kitchen because that was their preference," she said.

"I then talked to our chef about it and he said that meat would either have to be all halal or no halal. So I sent out the letter hoping to hear what parents had to say.

"It was about hearing parents' voices and going with the majority."

People took to social media to voice their opinions at the thought of the change.

"Who else thinks it's disgusting that Wolsey school wants to make the food all halal," one person said.

"That's disgusting," another said. "I give my son packed lunch but that's so wrong."

Others didn't see an issue with what the school did.

"They haven't said that they want to make all food halal, they are asking for opinions," a person said.

"Why would you not want the food to be halal? I'm not a Muslim but I personal don't have a problem as long as there is no unnecessary suffering caused to an animal."

Ms Majumdar said she was surprised by the quick backlash.

"I've already got a meeting scheduled for a group of parents outraged by this," she said.

"What I can say is we'll go with the majority and if there is a huge backlash or if people want to consult it with me further they can feel free to."

You can view the petition here.