Muslim pupils at three Waltham Forest primary schools have been banned from fasting during Ramadan due to health concerns.

The Lion Academy Trust, which runs Barclay Primary School in Canterbury Road, Leyton, notified parents of the controversial move in a letter sent home on Wednesday (June 10).

The other schools affected by the policy are Sybourn Primary School in Sybourn Street, Walthamstow, and Thomas Gamuel Primary School in Colchester Road, Walthamstow.

Acting head of Barclay School, Aaron Wright, wrote: "We are reliably informed that in Islamic Law, children are not required to fast during Ramadan, only being required to do so when they become adults.

"Previously, we have had a number of children who became ill and children who have fainted or been unable to fully access the school curriculum in their attempts to fast."

"Therefore, since the school policy and Islamic law have the same purpose i.e to safeguard the health and education of the child, the policy of both Barclay Primary School and all schools within the Lion Academy Trust does not allow any children attending the schools to fast."

“Last year on occasion the period between opening and closing fasting was in excess of 18 hours. For a child this is a significant amount of time without sustenance and water.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The school letter suggests older children fast at weekends and does add exemptions could be made for some who want to join in the celebration if they gain special permission.

The letter finished: “No child will be considered to be able to fast in school unless you have met with myself.”

Muslims with health problems or young children are not obliged to fast during the religious festival, which begins next Thursday (June 18).

Newport Primary School in Newport Road, Leyton, last year ditched a policy forcing parents of fasting pupils to take them home for a rest during the school day.

Some parents had complained they were unable to pick their children up.