WALTHAM FOREST: Teachers concerned over religious holiday school closures (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM FOREST: Teachers concerned over religious holiday school closures

5:25pm Friday 2nd October 2009

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COMPULSORY school closures for minority religious holidays have sparked concerns among teachers.

The dates for the new school year 2010/11 were agreed last month by the council and include a requirement for community schools to close during Eid-Ul-Fitr, Guru Nanak and Diwali.

But headteachers across Waltham Forest have criticised the decision, saying schools should be allowed to determine their own closures for religious days.

One heasteacher said: “For a school such as Kelmscott where the vast majority of pupils are either Christian or Muslim, there is no need to take additional time out for Diwali or Guru Nanak.

“However, the school does promote and celebrate these events allowing the very small number of staff or pupils to have religious absence days if they request.”

She added that schools should be allowed to decide whether or not to allow religious holidays based on their own circumstances.

And Ian Moyes, Waltham Forest secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, along with the Teachers' Joint Committee (TJC), called on the council to drop the requirement.

A headteacher of a Walthamstow School said: “We remain frustrated by the requirement on all schools, regarding of the religious profile of the staff and student populations, to close for Hindu, Muslim and Sikh festivals.”

Community schools will be required to close on all three days while foundation and voluntary aided schools will be able to make their own decision. A school coaching coordinator, called it a 'political' decision, saying: “If you compare the holidays to 20 years ago, all the changes are to do with political decisions, not what is best for the staff and students in gaining a rest.”

The council confirmed the policy is in place to 'raise awareness of different faiths and cultures within the school community which in turn supports cohesion for the wider community'.

Councillor Liaquat Ali, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I am aware of the concerns that have been raised and have asked that a review is carried out to identify exactly what holidays Waltham Forest’s children, parents and teachers feel are most appropriate to celebrate during term time.”

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