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Testimonials

Jane Yates

Chair of Cumbria SACRE, Ex Leader of Primary RE and now KS3 RE teacher.

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.

Penny Hollander

Church School Education Consultant for Carlisle diocese.

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!

Naomi Anstice

National Ambassador for RE Networks, Cheshire West and Chester Primary RE Adviser, Assistant Headteacher, Specialist Leader in Education.

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.

Olivia Seymour

Assistant Director of Education Diocese of York Project Lead learn Teach lead RE Yorkshire and Humber

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 trainings 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.  

Michelle Waterworth

Head of School, Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School, Bury

Dear Imran, It was a pleasure to welcome you to our school. After attending and being inspired by one of your inset training sessions, it was definitely the right decision to ask you to deliver workshops to all our year groups. You have been so accommodating to the needs of our school. You went above and beyond to engage the children in every class. Children and teachers were enthused and challenged. The staff were extremely complimentary of the rapport you had with the children. It was clear how passionate you were about being able to share your faith and personal experiences. We have benefitted greatly from your initial inset training and workshops. I will not hesitate to recommend you to other schools. Thank you again.

Suzanne Duncan

Chief Executive, East Durham College.

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.

Vicky Stabler

Head of RS, West Lakes Academy, Cumbria

Thank you so much for a day of informative and engaging assemblies. Imran can build fantastic relationships with staff and students. Already I feel student attitudes are changing and they have a greater understanding the Muslim faith. They are already asking when Imran will return!!

Irene Farragher

Learner Support Manager, Lakes College West Cumbria

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.

John Lowrie

Head of RE, St Patrick

Dear Imran, following your GCSE Islam support inset for the new spec; Unanimous feedback from staff - very good and relevant… detailed and humorous

Lisa Finnegan

Principal, Ash Grove Academy, Cheshire

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.

Sara Walker

Head Teacher, Westwood Park Primary, Salford

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.

Mary Kelly

Chair of Governors, Boroughbridge Primary, North Yorkshire

Participating in Imran's interactive Assembly was a great experience. Imran is a skilled educator of children and adults as demonstrated by the engagement of all who attended his assembly and workshop. The information and questions were pitched exactly right and the children were eager to answer his questions. He showed respect to all his audience; answering questions fully and honestly. The children definitely had an increased knowledge and importantly accurate view of what it is to be a Muslim after Imran's visit to our school.

Kate Shirra

RE Lead, Goodly Dale Primary School, Windermere, Cumbria

Our morning with Imran was fantastic. Imran has a lovely way with the children and is able to put things across very well. The assembly and all of the workshops were interactive, informative and inspirational. The children were completely focused and engaged throughout. Both children and staff learned so much. We certainly would not hesitate to recommend Imran to any school.

Deborah Hunt

Deputy Headteacher, St John Fisher RC Primary School, Rochdale.

I was lucky enough to attend a workshop led by Imran at a recent Catholic RE Coordinators’ meeting. I was so enlightened and inspired that we asked him to lead a day session at school during Multi-Faith Week. Imran led an informative, fun and interactive whole-school assembly. The children and staff gave very positive feedback about the assembly and even children in Reception class were able to draw on similarities between their own faith and Islam. I would recommend him to any school that aims to promote a greater understanding of Islam and foster better relationships between people of different faith backgrounds.

Mark Richardson

Head of Teaching & Learning Shavington Academy, Crewe

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.

RE Coordinator, Aiskew Leeming Bar Primary School.

To Imran Kotwal It was a real pleasure and joy to welcome you to our school today. The planning around the interactive activities was absolutely spot on for our children. The way you brought the Hajj experience to life for them and enabled them to understand in real depth what happens when Muslims makes a pilgrimage to Mecca really engaged both staff and children alike. The story of the three devils very much captured their thoughts and imagination. We have been doing lots of work around British Values and I know that today was massively important in underpinning all that they now know and understand.