Children's drawings could be considered blasphemous, while music and dance lessons could contravene the teachings of Islam, local councils have warned schools.

The guidance has been issued to teachers across northern England as part of a publication intended to highlight 'sensitivity and awareness around faiths and beliefs'.

Sharing The Journey has been designed to help schools 'demonstrate a sensitive and positive approach to religious and cultural diversity to pupils, parents and carers'. 

It adds: 'Schools will want to be flexible in catering for religious differences.'

This includes being aware of the 'sensitivities' that some Muslim parents may have around the 'teaching of aspects of art, dance, drama, music, physical education, religious education and RSHE'.

The publication cites art as an example, stating that Islamic culture and civilization has 'a rich artistic tradition' - but schools may find there are religious exceptions.

'A three-dimensional imagery of humans is considered idolatrous by some Muslims,' the guidance warns.

'It is very important that the school understands this and is also careful not to ask its students to reproduce images of Jesus, Prophet Mohammed or other figures considered to be prophets in Islam. 

'Some Muslim pupils may not wish to draw the human figure.' 

The guidance has been distributed to several schools, including within the local authority of Kirklees where Batley Grammar School is located, The Telegraph reported.

In 2021, a religious studies teacher was suspended and forced into hiding after a furore erupted after he showed his pupils a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed.

There are also guidelines around the teaching of music.

'In Islam, music is traditionally limited to the human voice and non-tuneable percussion instruments as in the days of the Prophet, when they were only used in marriage ceremonies and on the battlefield.'

It adds that there is 'a diversity of opinion regarding music amongst Muslims' and schools should 'ensure' students are not asked to join in songs that conflict with their religious beliefs. 

For drama lessons, teachers should be mindful not to ask students to play parts that 'may seem to compromise their faith'.

There may also be 'reservations' around 'physical contact between males and females or performing in a manner that might encourage immodesty or sexual feelings'. 

Other religious sensitivities are also flagged in the booklet, including dietary requirements for Jews, Hindus and Sikhs, Rastafarians, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as stipulations around fasting. 

The advice was first issued in 2022 by councils in Leeds, Calderdale, Oldham and Wakefield, and shared by local authorities, including Tameside in Greater Manchester and Sefton in Lancashire.