School to hold Ramadan awareness event for staff

A secondary school is to host a Ramadan awareness development session to help a city's teachers better support pupils who observe the Islamic month of fasting.

The event on 5 February is being organised in partnership with the Muslim Council of Peterborough and Gladstone Community District Association (Gladca).

About 30 people attended last year's session to learn how schools could respond sensitively to the needs of pupils during the holy period, and organisers said demand for the event remained high.

Jon Hebblethwaite, head teacher at Jack Hunt Academy, said it supported its aim "to create a respectful environment where all pupils feel able to succeed".

People observing Ramadan refrain from consuming any food or water, and engage in more charity and prayers during the holy period.

Speaker Maqsood Ahmed OBE will lead the workshop, discussing how fasting and changes to daily routines may affect pupils and what practical steps schools can take.

Participants will also be able to ask questions and explore real-life classroom scenarios.

Ahmed said Ramadan was about more than fasting, describing it as a period focused on reflection, patience and community.

"This session is about helping schools understand what Ramadan means for Muslim pupils and how those values can be recognised and respected within the school setting," he said.

Previously, the Beeches Primary School, in Gladstone Street was criticised by parents after children observing Ramadan were asked to spend their lunch breaks at home.

Organisers said, by learning about important religious and cultural practices, schools could help ensure all pupils felt valued and supported.

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