We were very proud to host a special Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session on Ramadan awareness for staff. This event marked an important step in promoting inclusivity and understanding within the school community.

Organised by Dr. Nawaz—Head of Urdu, Deputy Curriculum Area Leader for MFL, and Community Liaison Officer—the session aimed to equip staff with key insights and practical strategies to support students observing Ramadan.

Head Teacher Mr. Jon Hebblethwaite shared his thoughts on the initiative:

“At Jack Hunt School, we are committed to creating an inclusive and understanding environment for all. The Ramadan awareness session was a fantastic way for our staff to learn how to better support students during this important time. I’m incredibly proud of the work led by Dr. Nawaz, which not only benefited our own team but also extended to other schools in the area. By learning from and embracing different cultures, we strengthen our school community and make it a more supportive place for everyone.”

Dr. Nawaz was delighted with the event’s success, saying:

“it was a great opportunity to explore both the religious and practical aspects of Ramadan. It helped teachers and staff understand the needs of fasting students, answered their questions, and increased awareness of Islamic practices in our school.”

The positive response from staff sparked interest among other local schools, with many keen to receive similar training. Although time constraints made it difficult to organise additional sessions before Ramadan, the growing demand led Dr. Nawaz to consult with Mr. Martin Barwise (Assistant Headteacher and CPD Lead) and Mr. Rob Stark (Deputy Headteacher and Community Line Manager) about expanding the initiative. With the support of Head Teacher Mr. Jon Hebblethwaite, efforts were made to include staff from primary and secondary schools across the area.

To bring this idea to life, Jack Hunt School teamed up with the Muslim Council of Peterborough, which helped arrange for Mr. Maqsood Ahmed OBE—a respected scholar and author—to lead an engaging and interactive session. His expertise provided valuable insights, answering staff questions and ensuring they felt confident in supporting students during Ramadan.

Mohammad Ayoub Choudhary, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Peterborough, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration:

“The Muslim Council of Peterborough is proud to work alongside Jack Hunt School for this important Ramadan awareness initiative. Supporting our teachers with knowledge and understanding allows them to create an inclusive and compassionate learning environment where every student can thrive. We’re grateful for the dedication of educators in making sure all students feel valued, whether in the classroom or during 

activities like sports. At MCP, we’re committed to fostering inclusivity and building a stronger, more understanding community.”

This partnership between Jack Hunt School and the Muslim Council of Peterborough highlights the school’s commitment to cultural awareness and inclusivity. By equipping staff with the right tools and knowledge, the initiative helps ensure that all students— especially those observing Ramadan—feel supported and respected in their learning environment.