Ramadan and fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It consists of a twenty-nine to thirty day period of fasting, prayer, charitable giving, and goodwill towards others. Those who fast during Ramadan abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. This time also encourages spiritual reflection, prayer, and personal growth. 

Ramadan promotes empathy for those less fortunate and encourages the donation of money and essential resources to charitable causes. 

We aim to:

• Further develop understanding of the different faiths represented in the school community.
• Facilitate religious practices for pupils in Years 5 and 6 who wish to fast during Ramadan.
• Ensure pupils’ wellbeing is maintained and that parents/carers are informed if their child becomes unwell. 

Important information: 

• Whilst it is ultimately up to parents to make decisions on their child’s readiness to fast, Hollymount encourages that only pupils in Years 5 and 6 should be permitted to participate in fasting.
• Parents/carers must inform the school in writing if their child will be fasting in advance.
• Pupils who fast are expected to participate fully in normal school activities.
• Parents/carers will be informed immediately if a fasting pupil becomes unwell. While individuals who are fasting should not take oral medication, the school will administer necessary medicine in an emergency.
• If a member of staff notices signs of dehydration or exhaustion, the pupil will be advised to break their fast by drinking water. They will be reassured that Islamic guidance allows them to do so and make up the fast later.
• Pupils are informed through assemblies and staff guidance that fasting is not obligatory before puberty. It is a personal decision made by the child and their family.
• Where there are concerns about a fasting pupil, the school will prioritise safeguarding and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

 Physical Education:

• Pupils who are fasting may take part in physical activities, provided they are not putting themselves at risk.
• All pupils are expected to participate in the full curriculum, including PE, although staff will remain mindful of those who are fasting.

 Prayer during Ramadan:

• During Ramadan, some pupils may wish to increase their engagement in daily prayers.
• The school will provide a suitable space for prayer during break and lunchtime (not during lesson time).
• Parents/carers must inform the school in writing if their child will participate in prayer during these times.

 SATs:

• If Ramadan coincides with SATs (or the revision period leading up to them), parents/carers are encouraged to discuss with their child the allowances within Islam that can be made to break the fast so that children do not have to worry about their academic performance being affected.