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Council rethink on school holy days
Felix Allen19.10.09
A London council has been forced to rethink its policy forcing schools to shut for annual Muslim, Hindu and Sikh holy days following a backlash from teachers and parents.
All state schools under Waltham Forest's control have been closed for Eid-Ul-Fitr, Diwali and Guru Nanak's birthday - as well as Christmas and Easter - since the Eighties.
The directive, which affects even schools where few pupils are Muslim, Hindu or Sikh, means parents having to find childcare for up to three extra days in term time. The council began its review after critics called the closures inappropriate, unnecessary and politically motivated and head teachers demanded discretion in deciding which holy days to mark.
Just 17 per cent of residents are Muslim, while the figure for Hindus is 1.8 per cent and Sikhs 0.6 per cent. Jews outnumber Sikhs in the borough yet schools have not been told to close for any Jewish holidays.
Lynette Parvez, head of Kelmscott School in Walthamstow, said: "For a school like ours where the majority of pupils are Christian or Muslim, there is no need to take additional time out for Diwali or Guru Nanak."
She wants individuals to be allowed religious absence days without the need to close the whole school.
Jilly Darr-Sikander, 37, a Muslim from Walthamstow whose son Sami, six, attends Woodford Green Primary School, said: "If you celebrate a festival you should take your child out of school, but they all want a day off."
Ian Moyes of the NASUWT also called for an end to enforced holy days.
Waltham Forest Councillor Liaquat Ali, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Services, said: “In a borough as diverse as Waltham Forest, it's important we teach our children about different cultures and backgrounds as much as possible.
“I have asked that a review be carried out before these decisions are taken again next year, to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for our pupils, parents and our teachers.”
Reader views (8)
When in England do as the English do!, Liaquat Ali is clearly out of touch with English feelings on the subject. Everyone in this country must take on English culture and traditions.
- Vince, west london
This is Britain. Celebrate in your own time. Speak English as a first language and follow our rules. What happens when these kids become adults and start having days off for their celebrations? More lost working hours.
- Leeroy, Hereford, Herefordshire
If i moved to saudi can i have christmas off ????????
- Steve, South Shields
i am sure if one looks hard enough there could be umpteen days off a year eg, every saint day in england wales and scotland , come on stop issue making and celebrate any religous day at the school with everyone involved ,no i wont --or can't and just maybe a community may evolve.
- C.Mcd, bristol
Waltham Forest Councillor Liaquat Ali, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Services, who you quote, is also a parent who was fined for taking his own child out of school for religious reasons without having obtained permission. Did he tell you that when you phoned him for the quote?
- Technomist, Walthamstow
Well I will be taking my child from school to Jersey on the Financial New Year to look at what money can do for you.
The great god Money is celebrated throughout ten world an is the oldest religion on the planet and it is only fitting that we should celebrate this religion.
However for those of you that would seek a wider variety of holy days I suggest you look to the ancient Greeks who have a multiplicity of goods all of which have their own holy days. I suggest that if you are forced to adopt the wider religious celebrations you introduce the Zeus and Poseidon days into the mix.
- James, City of London
I'm sure the Muslim,Hindu and Sikh parents wont mind the schools being open. Especially when you consider themselves, their parents or even grandparents came to integrate into UK life. Anything less would show a failure on their part to adopt into British life.
- Dave, London
rediculous!
British Schools British rules deal with it!
whats wrong with celebrating after school?
- Cannie Be Arsed, does ne matter
