“If you want the children in your school to have an informed understanding about different aspects of Islam then Imran Kotwal is the visitor to invite to your school. I have had the privilege of watching several of Imran’s workshops with primary age children on different aspects of Muslim life and belief. The children really enjoy his interactive approach and there is always opportunity for their questions to be answered. They also appreciate his gentle approach and straightforward explanations about Islam. Imran also talks to teachers and parents in the school if you want to build an informed and balanced view about Islam. He has already worked with both community and church schools in Cumbria, all of whom praise his contribution to teaching and learning about Islam.I thoroughly recommend him to you. You won’t be disappointed! .”
“Imran has delivered three sessions for teachers and headteachers within the district over the past few months and each has been extremely well received. His knowledge and understanding is excellent and he selects content very carefully to match training needs. Imran’s delivery is highly engaging and he quickly establishes an excellent rapport with his audience, including a number of activities to challenge misconceptions and to ensure a much deeper understanding of Islam. We have been delighted to establish a close working relationship with Imran and many of our schools have booked further sessions with Muslim Learner Services. .”
“If you make a booking for Imran to come and visit your school, what you are actually doing is making an investment in your pupils’ futures as members of an understanding and cohesive society in which diversity is celebrated and every individual is valued as a member of our global community. Having been involved with Imran and Muslim Learner Services for the last 3-4 years, it has been a joy to hear the wonderfully positive and appreciative feedback provided by schools with whom Imran has worked. In these increasingly challenging times in education, particularly in relation to the financial demands now being placed on schools, the value-for-money provided by Muslim Learner Services really is second-to-none, particularly when schools work collaboratively when booking workshops/visits etc.
What a joy it is to work with such a passionate individual; both staff and pupils will remember the ‘Imran experience’ long into the future!”
“The children thoroughly enjoy Imran’s visits to our school and find him to be approachable, friendly and engaging. This encourages them to ask thoughtful questions and to gain real understanding of Muslim beliefs and practices. Imran is able to promote tolerance, compassion and awareness whilst bringing our R.E. curriculum to life. By using artefacts, videos, photographs and his own experiences of what it means to be a Muslim, he is able to deepen the children’s knowledge and understanding of Islam. As a result of Imran’s informative staff meetings and supportive manner, staff confidence has improved significantly when they are teaching R.E. units linked to Islam.’.”
“Muslim Learner Services CPD for primary teachers is an engaging and comprehensive training package. It builds on your existing subject knowledge through a range of participatory activities which ensure you are better equipped for teaching and learning in the classroom. Imran has a totally non-judgmental approach and is encouraging whatever your level of previous subject knowledge. I would strongly recommend this course for the whole school, RE subject leader or any teacher with responsibility for covering Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.!”
“I have been delighted to work with Imran Kotwal and Muslim Learner Services for over three years now. I first booked sessions with him for Frodsham Manor House Primary School where he led a whole school assembly and worked with a further three classes during the day. Imran continues to work with us on an annual basis and the children have come to know him well and look forward to his visits to enhance our learning on Islam. He has also led workshops for Cheshire West Primary School pupil workshops which are always lively and engaging. He has led county CPD on the teaching of Islam and a session at our Agreed Syllabus launch on misconceptions. Once you meet Imran, you will want him to come to meet your pupils. I have always found Imran to be friendly, approachable, adaptable, reflective and open to any questions which you may have. I am confident that any session for pupils or staff will be an excellent use of your time and resources..”
“Imran is an excellent trainer and presenter, bringing a wealth of expertise and a willingness to adapt to meet the needs of the groups he is working with. The training is practical and informative, supporting teachers in developing their subject knowledge alongside offering practical classroom resources. Imran’s training uses a range of resources including artefacts, videos, images and worksheets and training is always relevant and engaging. Feedback from the various inset training we have offered have always been 100% positive. Teachers have gone away feeling supported and encouraged and are enthusiastic about applying their learning in the classroom. I cannot recommend Imran highly enough”
“Imran Kotwal has worked with Westwood Park on a number of occasions. Imran’s assemblies and workshops promote British Values of respect and tolerance for all. The pupils really enjoy his visits and are fascinated by the knowledge and insights they gain in to Islam. Imran is willing to tackle ‘tricky issues’ like extremism and racism with dignity and understanding. He will happily work with pupils, staff and parents. Imran has a good sense of humour which engages children. His work with us is invaluable..”
“I have worked with Imran for a number of years now. He provides informative, engaging training sessions to which my trainee teachers respond very well. His sessions regularly score 9.0 out of a possible 10 – this was one of the highest scored sessions this year..”
“Imran visited Cromer Junior School for the day. Pre-visit communication was excellent so we were able to customize the itinerary perfectly for our children.With the theme of ‘Being Muslim in modern Britain’. Imran started with a whole school assembly, delivered an hour long workshop to each year group then finished the day with staff training about the Five Pillars of Islam. The whole day was thoroughly insightful and engaging. I have no doubt that our whole school community is more knowledgeable about Islam and poised to learn more. I cannot recommend Imran highly enough. .”
“Student feedback from the Islam awareness sessions was very positive. All students commented on their much improved understanding. The sessions were very engaging and delivered in a dynamic way. We would highly recommend Imran to all schools and colleges who are looking for more innovative ways to promote tolerance and respect of other’s religious beliefs.”
“Imran Kotwal spent two days with staff and learners at Lakes College holding tutorial sessions across the curriculum giving our learners an insight into Islam. All learners were engaged right from the start and feedback has been excellent leaving our learners better informed and reinforcing our college value to show respect for all members of our society. We would recommend Imran and The Muslim Learning Service to all colleges and look forward to working with Imran in the future.”
“Dear Imran, following your GCSE Islam support inset for the new spec; Unanimous feedback from staff – very good and relevant… detailed and humorous”
“Imran’s assemblies were highly informative and effective in addressing the misconceptions students might have developed about Islam and Muslims through largely negative media reporting. Imran himself is highly professional and approachable; a real pleasure to work with. I will definitely look to booking him for a return visit.”
“Imran visited our school to conduct a Parental Engagement Workshop ahead of a series KS2 Islam workshops which had been scheduled with the children as part of the RE curriculum.The Q&A session which he led was open, honest and engaging. Imran was able to alleviate the fears and misconceptions which some of the parents held. No topic was off limits and following on from the workshop, parental feedback was positive and in some cases transformed. Parents were enlightened and able to challenge and reflect on their own misconceptions of the Islamic faith. Many felt empowered to take what they had learnt back to others in the community. The Key Stage 2 pupil workshops went ahead as planned with a hundred percent parental support. I cannot thank Imran enough for supporting us in educating, engaging and enlightening our parent and pupil communities through an agenda of respect and tolerance of all faiths.”
