Government investigation after Hasidic Jewish sect in Stamford Hill 'bans' women from driving children to school

An investigation has been launched after women in Stamford Hill were told they are not allowed to drive their children to school.

The strict ruling came from rabbis in an orthodox Jewish sect in Stamford Hill, north London which runs the school.

Mothers were told if they did drive, then their children would be barred from the classroom as punishment.

The Department of Education has confirmed that the matter is being investigated.

The school said its choice of words was "unfortunate" but it had a duty to provide an education in line with its religious traditions.

In a letter published on Jewish websites, the Hasidic Belz rabbis say women drivers are 'contrary to the rules of religious modesty'.

The letter warns pupils will be barred from lessons unless there are medical reasons for their mother to behind the wheel of a car.