Al-Noor joins the police in an effort to fight race related crime - November 2006

Without a shadow of doubt every primary school in the UK has the safety of its pupils as a top priority and Al-Noor Muslim primary school is of no exception. Where most schools endeavour to incorporate strict safety measures inside the school and around its perimeter, Al-Noor has taken this measure a step further, setting an example to all.

In the annual 2006 AGM, held with the parents of Al-Noor pupils, a few had highlighted incidents of race related crime, in particular islamophobia, whilst dropping off or picking up pupils. A concern which was at the core of the discussions that evening. Many parents were hopeful for an answer that would extinguish their anxieties but left feeling somewhat uneasy about safety off school premises. In a prompt response to the AGM a letter to the parents stated: “We at Al-Noor hold the safety and welfare of our pupils, staff and parents to be of the utmost importance”

A humble much needed statement that was in itself an attempt to offer some kind of reassurance to the parents. However, none could believe the dedication of the bright and enthusiastic Al-Noor team . What happened next was a breakthrough for the Al-Noor and a success which has helped in relieving anxieties and making parents and supporters very proud of Al-Noor and what it stands for. 

What followed was the involvement of the Goodmayes Local Neighbourhood police. In a coordinated effort Al-Noor school had set up an incident log book which was to be frequented by the police and action to be taken against perpetrators of race related and other crimes.

The secretary of Al-Noor primary school, Mr Akhtar Raouf , made this statement “We have established a link with the local neighbourhood police which is not just important for the safety of our pupils, parents and staff but also allows police to visit the school and deliver important messages on drugs and crime prevention. This new relationship will only work towards strengthening our local community. Al-Noor isn’t just concerned about its people but also the well-being of the wider community”.

To celebrate this new relationship a joint leaflet was produced by the safer neighbourhoods team with the involvement of Al-Noor. The heading ‘Al-Noor special’ was to be the first of a quarterly leaflet giving up to date advice and support to the parents and staff of the school.

In a final comment, written in a covering letter accompanying the first edition of the news letter, Al-Noor trustees had written “This coordinated effort will strengthen the ties that we have established with the local police and help to ensure a safer school for our children and safer neighbourhood for Goodmayes”

This is a great example of co-ordinated work in which everyone benefits. I say thanks to Al-Noor for being an example to others.

S.Chaudhary.