12 June 2015

Headteacher bans Muslim pupils at four London schools from fasting during Ramadan

Muslim pupils at four London primary schools have been banned from fasting during Ramadan due to fears about their welfare.

The Lion Academy Trust, which runs the schools, notified parents of the move in a letter sent out this week.

The controversial move, set to affect pupils at the trust's four London schools, has been criticised by the Muslim Association of Britain.

Aaron Wright, the acting headteacher of Barclay Primary School in Leyton, wrote in the letter to parents: "We are reliably informed that in Islamic Law, children are not required to fast during Ramadan, only being required to do so when they become adults.

"Previously, we have had a number of children who became ill and children who have fainted or been unable to fully access the school curriculum in their attempts to fast. [Evening Standard] Read more