[monster]

Oh and note that the article in the OP refers to UK school. It's a different world there, it is usual for schools to have uniforms or strict dress codes, and the ban is not on religious wear per se.

You seem to think a veil would not disrupt teaching. When I teach, I look at the kids faces to see if they understand, to see if they're bored, to see if the have a question they need a cue to ask..... of course I'm an amateur -a parent volunteer who only teaches for an hour a day for two weeks three times a year. But I would say not one of those hours goes by when I don't use facial expressions to help me judge what to say next, when to move on.... surely that is the case in all western schools where facial expression is a major means of communication?

The child who is veiled must verbalize their confusion etc. Many children do not find that easy. Many children do not realize they need something clarified even though it shows on their faces. Much like when younger children need the bathroom -you can tell from the way they are standing, even though they have not yet realized it.