Four London primary schools will reportedly prevent Muslim students from fasting during Ramadan.
Barclay Primary School, in east London, wrote a letter to students informing them of the ban on June 10.
The letter said the new rules would apply to students at schools "within the Lion Academy Trust," which includes four schools across the city.
It said the school had made the decision out of concerns for students' welfare.
"We fully appreciate that this is a very significant and special time of the year for our Muslim community and that from a very early age Muslim children learn to understand and practice adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, of which the annual observance of Ramadan is one," the letter said.
"Whilst we are aware it is a special time, it is very much a time to spned with family and friends; many of our children wake up with their families as they open their fasts and stay up late to close the fast.
"Last year on occasion the period between opening and closing fasting was in excess of 18 hours. For a child this is a significant amount of time without sustenance or water."
Mr Wright said the school had sought guidance before making the decision.
"In Islamic law, children are not required to fast during Ramadan, only being required to do so when they become adults."
"The health of an individual is the first priority. Previously we have had a number of children who became ill and children who have fainted or been unable to fully access the school curriculum in their attempts to fast."
The other schools affected by the new rules are Sybourn Primary School, Thomas Gamuel Primary School and Brook House Primary School in Haringey.
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