Fasting during Ramadan 2023

Dear Parents/ Carers,

 

This week sees the start of the holy month of Ramadan, a time in the Islamic year which we know is important to many of our families. We appreciate the observance of fasting for many during the month of Ramadan and recognise that some of our older children may wish to fast whilst at school. However, it is important that parents understand the school’s responsibilities to those children who may wish to consider fasting during this time.

 

The school is happy to provide support for Year 5/6 pupils who wish to fast but needs to make clear its responsibilities, together with those of the parents/carers. Primary age children become very tired when they do not have regular meals and are sometimes unable to safely perform the activities expected of them during the course of a school day.

 

As such, we want to explain the procedures that will be followed to ensure the well-being of your child or children:

 

1. ‘Request to Fast’ Form – Y5 & Y6 parents who wish to give permission for their child to fast during Ramadan whilst at school, will need to complete, sign and return a 'Request to Fast' to school before fasting begins. Children will not be allowed to fast unless this form has been returned. This form is only available to parents of children in Y5 & Y6 and was sent home yesterday – pupils in other year groups should not fast during the school day
2. Curriculum – Children who are fasting are expected to take part in all areas of the curriculum as normal during Ramadan, including PE & music
3. Requests for Food – As the school is required to take care of all pupils and cannot ignore the needs of a hungry or thirsty child, the staff will comply with requests for food or drink received from a child, even if a completed form has been provided. Contact will be made with parents/ carers as soon as possible afterwards
4. Illness – If a child appears to be experiencing adverse physical or emotional effects due to fasting, e.g. dizziness, nausea, distress, etc., staff will offer that child food or drink, even if a completed form has been provided. Staff will call the child’s parents or carers, and may call the emergency services, if they believe that it is necessary.

 

I hope that the above is clear, but please do not hesitate to contact a member of the school leadership or the school office if you have any questions.

 

Thank you