School's duty of care to children.

[Scabetty]

One of the parents in ks1 told me this morning she has told the school her 5 yo is fasting for Ramadan and they are allowing him to not eat or drink during the school day. She said it was his choice. I am shicked the school has agreed to this. I know it isn't expected of such young children. Is the school failing in their duty of care?

It's neglect at that age surely?

The school can't directly go against the wishes of the parents

Not true.

Our school only allow it in Y5&6, and the parents have to sign a form saying that if the child is taken ill (dehydration, feeling dizzy etc) then they understand that the school will give the child water/food. If they don't agree, then the school don't support the fasting and will send the child to lunch, tell them to etc.

If children are fasting, they have to stick to the shade and avoid too much exertion, and as I say if they are taken ill the school will give water/food and the parents and children understand this agreement.

Most Muslim parents in my experience are very aware if the fact that children can join in with the fasting, but can't be expected to hold to the same standards as adults. Usually it's the children who have chosen to fast as they want to be an active part of their faith and 'join in' with the rest of their community.

• tell them to DRINK etc

You can't force a child to eat so I'm not sure how schools can not allow things.

My kids have fasted whilst in school and i would send in and pack lunch in case they changed their mind. Sometimes they did sometimes they didn't. Sometimes their fast ended at school pick up. Sometimes fasting meant no lunch (but a hearty breakfast and tea after pick up). Other children fasted by eating plain food or concentrating on being polite at all times

I wouldn't assume that a 5 year old is fasting 19 hours and their parents haven't considered how that might affect someone so young.

Sometimes children want to fast so they can join in. But they should only be allowed eg to delay breakfast by an hour, almost as a bit of fun. A five year old is not required to fast and should definitely NOT be fasting.

If they have a policy for fasting then I'm sure that will have been adhered to.

If my Granny had a cock she'd be my Grandad.

Ramadan is a sign of dedication to faith. It's hard. It's meant to be hard. We have friends who are adults struggling with when it fell last year, this year will be worse.

Kids want to do loads of things, 5 year olds shouldn't be encouraged or allowed to go without food and water for so long. When they are able to make a rational decision when they are older then fair enough, but at 5 you have no idea what's good for you. Children spend so much more time running around and being busy than most adults, how can they avoid dehydration and headaches in summer with the level of activity most 5 years olds have?