Muslim Parents’ Handbook

Our first innovative project was to develop, write and publish a Muslim Parents’ Handbook. The aim of this was to bridge the gap we perceived between Muslim parents and the education system in order to improve the parental involvement in children’s education.

This handbook was has been distributed free of charge across Muslim majority schools in Luton, and the response has been exceptional. There has also been interest in this project at a national level from both the Department of Education and the National Association of Head teachers. In addition it is to be used as an example of best practice by the Runneymede Trust.

Muslim Teachers Network

Our second project was to seek funding for and establish the Muslim Teachers Network. This was seen as essential in Luton because of the large number of Muslim teachers working here. The first training event was held at Putteridge Bury in April 2007 and attracted approximately 30 educational professionals from in and around Luton.

A further event is to be held in April 2008 to build on the foundations laid. The feedback received from the delegates was that they found the event and the concept of the network outstanding and were eager to get further involved.

Guidelines for meeting the needs of Muslim Pupils

Relating to the Guideline for Schools published by the Muslim Council of Britain. The MEF has been invited to comment on and advise the council on the implementation of the guidelines. We are working closely with schools and the local authority in this development.

Stronger Communities

The MEF project under this scheme aims to tackle the issues of Identity and Citizenship. Working with theatre companies Ulfah Arts and Khayaal, we will be hosting performances in 3 Luton High Schools and Colleges. Through this project we aim to create an arena for open and safe discussion and dialogue by youth on issues that affect them.

Runneymede Research Project

Our organisation was recommended by the Education department to take part in a research report by Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard of the Runneymede Trust. The resulting report on “School Choice and Ethnic Segregation” was launched in March 2007 and contained substantial quotes and experiences from our group. We have been subsequently contacted by the Runneymede who have stated that they wished to use our organisation as an example of good practice for an ENAR shadow report.

Partnership and dialogue

One of our fundamental aims was to begin a positive and open dialogue with educational and social agencies which serve the Muslim community. This includes the Luton Education department, Luton On-Track, the Regeneration department, the Family Workers team, Campus Luton and others in order to foster an environment of greater understanding of issues affecting the Muslim community.

We have proactively engaged in visiting head teachers, teachers and family workers throughout schools in Luton in order to openly discuss the various issues concerning them and to work together to try and develop solutions.