THE Lancashire Council of Mosques believes "too much" emphasis is being placed on Ramadan coinciding with the exam period in schools.

Ramadan falls within the exam season this year, and will do so for the next few years, and some East Lancashire schools have spoken out offering extra guidance to concerned pupils and families who will be fasting.

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However, Abdul Qureshi, chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosques, believes that while this is welcome, those taking part in Ramadan will be aware of the risks and precautions needed.

He said: “We are making too much of it. Those who are going to be fasting are already thinking about it People will go and talk to their Imam about it. It is normal to have difficulties.

“I am going on a walk with my 64-year-old friend which will be miles and miles without water.

“Those who that already do it and can do it, will do it. Some here will help guide those with any difficult decisions.”

Ramadan begins on Sunday, June 7, and the holy month is scheduled to run until Tuesday, July 5, this year.

Some have raised the issue that fasting, combined with the hot days during the summer solstice, could lead to both health and productivity problems.

Pleckgate High School in Blackburn is one of the schools which has offered specific advice regarding the subject of children observing Ramadan during the exam period.

A spokesman for the school said: “The combination of long days and exams will put extra pressure on many of our pupils.

“If your health is put at risk due to the fast, dehydration or injury, you can break your fast as your health is more important."

“We at Pleckgate would like to make this time as safe and productive as possible for our pupils who choose to fast.”

Guidelines for the school highlight the importance and offers recommendations for Suhur, a pre-dawn meal, and Iftar, the meal which breaks the days fast.

They also offer advice for parents and carers, such as ensuring children are hydrated and helping them organise a revision timetable.

Despite believing the dangers of Ramadan during exam season are over-emphasised, Mr Qureshi still welcomes the the school guidelines have given.

“It is long, maybe the longest time of the year,” he said “That work people put in normally to be prepared is really important for these things.

“It will be good to guide young people through these circumstances.”