@CathyorClaire - it does not matter what you think. If it was harassing, alarming or distressing to the children it can still constitute an offence under the Public Order Act. Hope some of themget done for it. Completely reasonably foreseeable to any standard human that children are more likely to be sensitive about these things. Hence best to not intimidate children or approach them!
A person likely to be caused alarm is enough of a threshold. They knew the kids will be there and many of the protestors are on camera. And good luck arguing it is reasonable conduct. It is not.
Harassment, alarm or distress.
(1)A person is guilty of an offence if he—
(a)uses threatening [or abusive] words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b)displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening [or abusive],
within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.
(2)An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the other person is also inside that or another dwelling.
(3)It is a defence for the accused to prove—
(a)that he had no reason to believe that there was any person within hearing or sight who was likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, or
(b)that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, or
(c)that his conduct was reasonable.
(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5). . . . . .
(6)A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.