Schools must teach more about sex and relationships to protect the most vulnerable children, it is claimed.

Campaigners in Waltham Forest are calling for a change in curriculum to ensure schools cover issues like female genital mutilation, forced marriage and consent when teaching pupils.

This weekend a conference will be held to try to convince parents and teachers there is a real need to address sexual relationships and issues surrounding sex in the classroom.

Speaking ahead of the event Stella Creasy MP, who has been working with the campaigners, said: “At present schools are required to teach children the biology of sex, but little or nothing on issues like consent or respect for each other which are a vital part of a healthy relationship.

“With issues like FGM, sexual harassment, pornography, domestic violence, cyberbulling and gang culture affecting the lives of many of our young people I’m not surprised that they are asking for help in this way.

"It is time we stopped leaving these issues to the playground or the internet, and ensured we give every young person in Walthamstow the respect and knowledge they want and deserve.”

Speakers at the event will include award winning author and director of Everyday Sexism, Laura Bates, the anti FGM Daughters of Eve campaign, headteacher of Frederick Bremer School, Jenny Smith, and others.

Speaking about the project, teacher Lucie Jones, co-ordinator of social, moral and religious education at Willowfield School in Walthamstow, said: “I feel passionately that young people should be taught about healthy relationships in school.

“This conference provides a great opportunity for the community to come together, learn more and contribute to ensuring that our children have access to the good quality sex and relationship education they need and, most importantly, are asking for.”

The Our Bodies - Our Future conference will take place at Frederick Bremer School between 10.30am and 4pm.

It is a free conference for parents, pupils, teachers and campaigners of all ages in Walthamstow.