Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department issued to primary school head teachers on working with pupils who wanted to fast during Ramadan.

The Department for Education has not issued guidance to primary schools on fasting during Ramadan as it is a matter for individual schools to decide how to accommodate pupils who wish to fast during this time. We would expect schools to consider carefully the views of pupils and parents, as well as pupil wellbeing, when applying policies involving religion or individuals’ beliefs. All schools must ensure that any measures they take comply with their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published detailed practical guidance for schools, available online at:

www.equalityhumanrights.com/private-and-public-sector-guidance/education-providers/education-providers-schools-guidance