12t^h .March 2023

Ramadan Arrangements 2023.

 

Dear Parents/ Carers,

 

As we approach a special time of year for many of our families and pupils, we would like to let you know our arrangements for Ramadan.

 

We know that many of our pupils like to join in with many of the activities that they see their parents and older siblings doing. One such activity is taking part in the fast.

 

In the past we have allowed a small number of older pupils in school to fast during the school day. A very small number of year 6 pupils, who have reached puberty, have been supported  to fast or part fast on certain days. Not all of y6 chose to take part, it is usually only a small number of pupils.  This is due to quite carefully considered safety reasons and particularly as not drinking during the day can cause many problems with concentration, energy levels, and with being able to join in all of their learning.

 

We will be able to offer some year 6 pupils our support to fast this year, should they want to. These pupils will need to bring in a letter, signed by their parent or carer which gives permission for them to fast during the school day. Y6 pupils who fast will only be able to do this on a day that they do not have a PE lesson. On these days children will NOT be able to fast.

 

Please talk to your child about this and let them know that for younger children it is very problematic for us to support fasting in school.  It is not something that we can safely support, nor is it our normal practice. Therefore we do not allow pupils younger than y6 to fast in school. Only a handful of y 6 pupils take part (although I know some parents have been told by their pupils that ‘everyone’ does it- this is not the case!) I know that many pupils are able to feel that they are taking part, by part fasting, either during the evening or at weekends, under your supervision.

 

It looks likely that Eid Al Fitr will fall over a weekend in April this year. As you know we often try to plan our last inset day in the Summer with Eid. Potentially this will now be planned to coincide with Eid Al Adha in June, however I will let you know nearer the time.

 

We really appreciate your help in this matter. Should you wish to discuss this matter with me, please make an appointment via the main school office.

 

 

Kind regards,  Mrs Whittaker