Mosque leaders across Waltham Forest have called for compromise over a ban by some primary schools on pupils fasting during Ramadan.

The Lion Academy Trust, which runs Barclay Primary School in Canterbury Road, Leyton and two other primary schools in the borough, have cited health concerns for banning fasting during the religious festival, which begins on Thursday (June 18), with reports of children fainting due to lack of food.

The trust claims some children observing the practice went without food or water for nearly 18 hours.

Chairman of the Waltham Forest Council of Mosques (WFCOM), Yusuf Hansa, which represents ten mosques in the borough, said his organisation had received complaints from parents about the ban.

He said: "We do appreciate that the school is right, children who have not reached the age of puberty are not obliged to fast and with the day being long, sports activities taking place and possible hot weather, schools will be concerned.

“However, we are worried that schools will take a young child fasting as a safeguarding children issue.

“We advise parents to accept the school’s wish not to cause offence and their good wishes for Ramadhan, but at the same time mention that as a parent you want them to respect the wishes of children who are encouraged to get used to fasting before puberty.

“We suggest as a compromise that any child that does fast must have snack and a drink with them and be given clear instructions that on feeling particularly hungry or thirsty they will break their fast.

"This is what we have done at our Islamic school, the Noor Ul Islam Primary School."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Yusuf Hansa is the chairman of the Noor Ul Islam Trust in Leyton and WFCOM

The chairman contested the school’s claim that there was a dispute in Islamic law as to what age a child reaches adulthood and is obliged to start fasting.

Mr Hansa said: “Islamically there is no different opinion on adulthood – it is when a child reaches puberty.”

“We suggest that parent’s link up with a local mosque or a group of Muslim parents to demonstrate they want a proper understanding of the view of the Muslim community.”

Acting head of Barclay School, Aaron Wright, wrote a letter home to parents last week outlining his concerns about fasting in his school.

It read: "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."

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

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The letter written home to parents of Barclay Primary School

Chief executive of the Lion Academy Trust, Justin James, supported the ban, which will also be in place in Sybourn Primary School in Sybourn Street, Walthamstow, and Thomas Gamuel Primary School in Colchester Road, Walthamstow.

He said: "We have proudly worked and supported all of our communities across one of the most diverse and dynamic parts of London.  

"We are seeking to meet with parents and carers directly should they have any concerns or wish to discuss any element of this with us further.

"The team and I appreciate how important this time is to all our Muslim families and we welcome working closely with you to get the best possible outcome for everyone – children, parents and the wider school community."