To email school AGAIN re religious assemblies

[pineapplepenthouse]

I have twins in year 4 both in different classes. I have expressed my feelings about not letting them be involved in religious assemblies or having anything to do with religion. My children are in different classes. Today for the third time my DDs has come home saying he has been included in the religious assembly.
I have strong feelings on this but other mums just say 'it's not a big deal' and 'it didn't do us any harm'.

AIBU?

[PickAChew]

You can formally exclude them, though they will probably roll their eyes at you for doing so.

[LL83]

Is it a faith school?

What sort of stuff? Awareness of what people believe or taught as fact?

[GoGoGadgetGin]

Is it a religious school? Not sure what the proper term is! Ie is that part of the ethos like it's a Catholic school?

[pineapplepenthouse]

Not worried in the slightest at getting an eye roll! Just pissed off they are not taking me seriously

[pineapplepenthouse]

Not a faith school at all. In Scotland so not bias to any religion

[Sparklingbrook]

Have you put it in writing?

When they were told to go to assembly did the child say to the teacher they weren't allowed to?

[Marshmallow91]

Have you put it in writing?

If they do it again, contact whoever is responsible for the schools 'round your area, i.e local council

It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. You obviously have your reason's and the school should respect that.

[Greensleeves]

Send a formal letter asking them to confirm at their earliest convenience that your child will be withdrawn from all religious assemblies/lessons in accordance with your previous requests. Don't ask them, tell them. You've tried asking nicely and been ignored - you do have the right to insist.

Doesn't matter if it's a faith school or not. Many faith schools are tax-funded state schools and places are allocated by catchment just like every other state school - parents frequently don't have a choice. And they do have the right to have their children withdrawn from religious indoctrination, whether other parents/staff/cheerleaders for the school's faith-based agenda like it or not.

[pineapplepenthouse]

Yes have put it I writing. Twice. My son has never said anything

[Sparklingbrook]

Why has he not told the teacher he isn't permitted to go to the religious assembly?

As a matter of interest would you allow the DC to attend a church wedding or funeral?

[twattymctwatterson]

There are plenty of faith schools in Scotland op! I went to one. I believe the non denominational schools still often have links with the Church of Scotland and incorporate some kind of Christianity into assemblies etc although I don't agree with it. As least my local non denominational school did. Which is why we thought of it as "the Protestant school" across from our Catholic school.

[DioneTheDiabolist]

If I were you I would request a meeting with the school OP. It's clear that they are ignoring your correspondence.

[Greensleeves]

If they are ignoring letters, I would write a more formal letter to the Head, ccing the chair of governors and the LA, asking for a face-to-face meeting to discuss your complaint against the school for ignoring your lawful requests to have your child withdrawn from religious instruction.

[Greensleeves]

Why does it matter whether OP would take him to a wedding?

OP's beliefs aren't on trial. She has a legal right to withdraw her child from these assemblies and the school has to accede. Not to mention that it's incredibly unprofessional and poor practice to ignore repeated written communications.

[Sparklingbrook]

I am just interested so simply asking a question if that's ok Greensleeves. How feasible is it to keep your DC away from religious ceremonies etc if they are your beliefs.

If the Op doesn't want to answer that's fine.

[SetPhasersTaeMalkie]

There are no governors in Scottish schools.

Have you phoned the school OP, or spoken to their class teachers about this in parent contact evenings?

[pineapplepenthouse]

I'm not the anti christ or anything! It just pisses me off that my daughter is exempt but my sons teacher disagrees. She told us at parents evening that it does kids no harm and that she was shocked we withdrew DC from The worship!

[PickAChew]

If he hasn't said anything, maybe he doesn't give a shit and you need to stop being so uptight? (I am an atheist, btw. A key part of atheism is discerning but British eye rolling. If he can't do that for himself, maybe he diesnt6agree with you)

[Sparklingbrook]

Sounds like you need to put your foot down. Make an appointment with the Head asap.

[pineapplepenthouse]

@PickAChew maybe your right and I need to calm doon! Thanks

[Greensleeves]

It doesn't make a jot of difference what your son's teacher thinks. This is your decision, and the school needs to abide by it.

[Wannabeyorkshirelass]

Honestly I think you're being a bit silly. It really won't do them any harm. I'm yet to meet anyone who's religious because they sang about Jesus in assembly. The fact he even came home and told you just makes me think he's more indoctrinated by you than he ever will be by them.

[Tweety1981]

Why avoid religion ? Nothing wrong with them learning about all the religions in the world .

Do you want them to be prepared for the real world and it’s diversity ?

I went to religious assemblies , all different religions and as a child I found it colourful , interesting and fun .

It helped me to understand and respect all religions , which carries in the way I raise my family . I go to events held by more than one religious community and I see the similarities and not the differences , im fortunate enough to be in that position because my parents did not stop me from attending any kind of religious assembly at school .

[SetPhasersTaeMalkie]

I agree that you should make an appointment to see the headteacher as soon as possible.

[Tweety1981]

I think the issue here is that a teacher is not respecting your decision . I can see why the teacher is trying to reason with you . But end of the day it’s your choice .