EDUCATION chiefs will write to city headteachers demanding tougher measures ensuring school uniforms respect the needs of pupils from all faiths and religions.

Civic leaders insist more needs to be done to prevent children from the city's growing diverse communities facing punishments and discrimination for wearing traditional dress in classes.

Their pledge, which comes as a shot across the bows of the education system, follows the wake of a religious row sparked when two schoolgirls were ordered to remove their turbans on the first day of school.

As previously reported St Anne's Catholic School headteacher Lyn Bourne apologised to the families of Prasimran Kaur, 11, and Simranjot Kaur, 13, when staff told them take off the religious headwear on the first day of term.

Both Southampton girls have returned to classes after being granted permission to wear their turbans which their families claim teachers had branded "fashion" items.

Now Southampton City Council leader Warwick Payne says the council will write to schools advising them to take into account the sensitivities of pupils from diverse communities when enforcing uniform policies.

Normally individual schools have full controls over setting their uniforms

But Mr Payne said the council is planning circulating a memorandum to all Local Educational Authority (LEA) area schools which could also be sent to academies and free schools which are independent of local authority control.

The detail and scope of their advice has yet to be determined but Mr Payne said: "Clearly it is important for schools to be aware of pupils' different faiths and we urge them to take note and be respectful of all faiths.

"A note will be going round to schools using St Anne's as an example for learning.

"We have no jurisdiction over academies and free schools but we can advise them."

But he thanked St Anne's for swift action in allowing the girls to return to lessons and added: "Their quick response demonstrates that where there is a misunderstanding schools will act quickly and decisively to put things right."

Sikh Council Hampshire spokesman Harmeet Singh Brar welcomed the action but called for the council to draw up guidelines to ensure schools are aware of religious dress.

He added: "Southampton has a proud culture made up of many different backgrounds religions and languages this is what makes our city so very beautiful.

"It is important to have dialogue to learn each other’s cultures and beliefs."

Council cabinet member for communities Cllr Satvir Kaur, a practicing Sikh and former St Anne's head girl, also welcomed the plans and said: "I support any initiative that will bridge the gap of lack of understanding as all schools must respect the communities they serve."