Fasting during Ramadan 2024

Dear Parents/ Carers,

 

Next week sees the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan and so it is important that all parents understand the school’s responsibilities to those children who may wish to consider fasting.

 

Over the years, we have taken advice from a range of sources (Government, Local Authority and various Islamic organisations) and recognise that children under the age of 10 years are generally not required to fast but that parents/carers may request that their child in Year 5 or Year 6 take part in some fasting.

 

The school is happy to provide support for Year 5 and Year 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. Children in other year groups will not be permitted to fast on school days.

 

For parents of pupils in Y5 and Y6, 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 the enclosed form 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 – pupils in other year groups should not fast during the school day. The form will be sent home with Y5 and Y6 children today.
2. Curriculum – Children who are fasting are expected to take part in all areas of the curriculum as normal during Ramadan, including PE and 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.

 

Yours sincerely,

Mr A Beale

Head Teacher