Children at Whitstable Junior School take part in Redraw the Balance

A group of primary school children have starred in a film revealing the reality of gender stereotyping.

The two-minute film shows three female teachers asking a class of 20 children between the ages of five and seven from Whitstable Junior School to each draw a picture of a firefighter, a surgeon and a fighter pilot.

The children drew 66 pictures in total with only five depicting women.

It was all part of a film called Redraw The Balance to discover how children early in their education define career opportunities as male and female.

After submitting their pictures the children were then asked if they would like to meet real-life versions of these drawings.

The three teachers then returned to the classroom in their true professions as NHS surgeon Tamzin, firefighter Lucy of the London Fire Brigade and Lauren, an active RAF pilot.

National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) general secretary Russell Hobby said: "Inspiring the Future’s primary programme is transforming the way children connect their learning in primary school with the many opportunities that lie ahead.

"The project opens up the world of work to the children – right at the age where they are beginning to develop their aspirations and ambitions.

"It helps to break down gender stereotypes and preconceptions, improving life chances, especially for those living in areas of deprivation.

"I would wholeheartedly encourage every employer to support this scheme by becoming volunteers and every school to take advantage by joining us on this exciting journey.”

The film was made for Inspiring the Future charity by MullenLowe London agency - which exists to raise awareness of the need to tackle gender stereotyping.

MullenLowe's executive creative director Richard Denney said: "It’s our responsibility as working professionals, as well educators, to encourage and inspire young minds that the majority of jobs and roles today are available for women and not just men. These young minds are our future.”

Volunteers wanting to sign up to the programme and talk to children for one hour about their career can visit www.inspiringthefuture.org