A headmaster has admitted primary school children were banned from watching the eclipse for 'cultural and religious' reasons.
Council officials demanded an explanation from the head of the school in a multi-cultural suburb of west London.
North Primary School, Southall Credit: ITV NewsPhil Belman, the father of a seven-year-old girl at North Primary School in Southall, rang the headteacher to express his anger.
Phil Belman Credit: ITV News Credit: ReutersEaling Council confirmed the pupils were not allowed out of their classrooms but said they were able to see the eclipse on TV screens.
The headmaster, Ivor Johnstone, issued a statement saying he was sorry for any disappointment.