SCHOOLS are setting up prayer rooms and allowing pupils religious 'time outs' between lessons during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Head teachers in Blackburn and Darwen have received special guidance on procedures to follow after the council set up a working group to discuss the issue.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast during daylight hours and must also avoid activities which may be regarded as offensive to others.

The working group, including representatives from schools and the Muslim community, produced a report spelling out guidelines for schools to follow during the period.

But head teachers are allowed to make their own arrangements, within the guidelines.

At Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, head teacher Heather Jamison has arranged for special prayer rooms to be set up and Muslim pupils go to prayers between lessons and during the lunch hour.

She said: "We are lucky in that we have five Muslim teachers who help and guide us through Ramadan. We are grateful to the council for the advice they have offered."

At Queen's Park High School special prayer rooms are set up throughout the year at lunch times for Muslim pupils.

During games and PE lessons teachers are avoiding the more strenuous activities, such as cross country, as children are fasting.

But they say the following principles will apply to all schools: Recognition and valuing of a multi-faith society.

Understanding of Islamic traditions.

Respect for the Muslim community and its festivals.

Respecting the rights and responsibilities of Muslim people.

Safeguarding and enhancement of children's education.

Maintaining effective communications with parents and pupils.

Councillor Bill Taylor, chairman of the council's education and training committee, said: "We are a nation renowned for religious tolerance and the Ramadan guidelines follow good local practice.

"We live in a pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-faith society and the Muslim members of the community have special and different ways of expressing their faith."

The council has given no specific instructions as to exactly how Asian youngsters should be treated during Ramadan and head teachers are being allowed to draw up their own arrangements.

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