Dear Parents,

Ramadan is soon approaching, so I wanted to write to everyone as early as possible to remind you about our arrangements for our older pupils who may want to fast. 

Our fasting policy, which was written in conjunction with other local schools and parents, is available from the school office, or the parents section of our school website. 

Our full policy is available for everyone, however these sections give particular guidance:

Years 5 and 6 children
For Years 5 and 6 children who do choose to fast during Ramadan, the following arrangements will be put in place:
•    Children who are fasting will go directly to a designated classroom at lunchtime for quiet time, completing calm, quiet activities e.g. reading, drawing, quiet talking with friends or quiet reflective time. Please note that if a child’s behaviour does not meet with the school’s expectations during this time, the parent/carer will be asked to make alternative arrangements and take the child home during that time. If a child is unwell, the parent/carer will be contacted to collect him/her.
•    The children will go outside for morning  playtime in order to get fresh air.

Years 3 and 4 children
It is very unusual for children in y3 and 4 to fast in Kingsley, and we would ask parents to carefully consider the appropriateness of allowing their young children to fast during the school day. However, for those Years 3 and 4 children who wish to fast, the school asks parents to consider allowing just one or two days per week or just the weekends, and also to consider their child not fasting on days where they have PE or swimming in school.

Key Stage 1 and Reception Children
Due to the age of the children in Reception, and key stage 1 the school cannot allow them to fast during the school day.

Permission to Fast
We have also made it easier for parents to give permission, by including a simple proforma to be completed by parents. This MUST be completed and returned to school if you want your child to fast. These forms can be requested from the class teacher or the office.

School has to staff supervision for pupils who are fasting in a different way to normal lunchtime duties. School also spends a lot of money completely funding a hot meal for every child at lunchtime- we do not want to pay for food and get it prepared only to see children refuse it and it to go to waste. For these reasons it is VITAL that you inform us of any plans you have for your child to fast, so that we can plan accordingly.

I hope this means that as parents you know exactly how we plan to support the children during this important time, and can prepare accordingly. It is very important that if you wish your child to fast at any point in the year, you read this policy and seek permission from school .

You can view the policy in two ways either by:
1.    Looking in the Parents section of our school website (www.kingsley.liverpool.sch.uk)
2.    Or coming in person to the school office and requesting a hard copy.

Many thanks for your help in this matter.

Ms A. Whittaker, Head Teacher.