WORRIED parents in Wimborne have joined a national protest against compulsory testing of primary school children.

The campaign, Let Our Kids Be Kids, also voices concerns about schools being forced to become academies.

A group of parents whose youngsters attend Wimborne First School plan to take their children out of school for a day next week to register their concerns.

Instead they will hold a day of outdoor learning on Tuesday May 3 and have invited other parents from schools across the area to join them.

One of the group, Sarah Wise, told the Daily Echo: "We are against the forced testing of children as young as seven in difficult grammar, spelling and punctuation.

"We also think there is no need for all schools to become academies - they are very good as they are.

"For those who wish to join us we will be holding a day of educational outdoor activities in Pamphill Woods, including a healthy picnic lunch."

Mrs Wise said she and the other parents involved have nothing against Wimborne First School, its head teacher or its teachers.

"We are doing this in support of the teachers whose hands are tied by the government."

Thousands of parents have joined Let Our Kids Be Kids since it was launched in March this year.

A group of parents from Mudeford Infants is also taking part in the protest.

A spokesman said: "Our key message to parents is that this is not a campaign against your wonderful school or against your lovely class teacher - it is a direct message to the government that we've had enough of SATs testing and Ofsted driven teaching.

"It is a show of support to teachers everywhere that they will have overwhelming parental enthusiasm for a boycott of SATS and a return to a curriculum based on the joy and wonder of learning. It is a campaign to Let Our Kids Be Kids again."

Anyone who wishes to join Mrs Wise and her group should meet at 10am in the car park near St Stephen's church, Pamphill, BH21 4ED.