A primary school in Southampton has issued a letter in defence of a “well-regarded” transgender supply teacher after complaints from parents. Bitterne Church of England Primary School and Southampton City Council both jumped to the defence of the teacher, after parents questioned why they explained their gender identity to students. Rachel Bennet, the mother of a seven-year-old pupil in the teacher’s class, told the Southern Daily Echo: “I think it’s a bit much for year-two 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 woman’s clothing.”