To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the possible introduction of formal guidelines governing religious dress in schools. (129874)

[holding answer 28 March 2007]: The Department has not made an assessment of the possible introduction of formal guidelines on religious dress, as governing bodies determine school uniform and dress codes under powers conferred by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. We issue non-statutory guidance to schools, reminding them of their responsibilities under the Human Rights Act 1998 and anti-discrimination legislation. The guidance also states that schools should be sensitive to pupil's cultural and religious needs and differences and must ensure that their uniform policies are fair and reasonable.