My 5 year old niece was told to go home and pray

[freyjasauntie]

I am really upset that my 5 year old niece was told by her school teacher to go home and pray at bedtime. Although she goes to a C of E school, this is due to logistics of living in the country, and the school are aware that she is being raised atheist, (she was enrolled as such) with a view to letting her decide her own path when she is ready to understand what that entails.

If a Muslim teacher had told her girls to go home and wear hijab, there would be uproar, but it seems to be accepted that schools can promote Christian ideology. I have no problems with my niece being taught about Jesus, about being kind to each other, about truth telling and other so called Christian Values (which can be found in almost any religion) but I strongly object to her being told to give up something for Lent (she had no idea why she should do so), and to pray at bedtime.

Religious Education should be EDUCATION, as a qualified RE teacher, I have always presented all world religious as equally valuable, but there is a real difference between education and what I believe is insidious indoctrination.

The faith school was there before you. It shouldn't come as a surprise.

Er, she doesn't actually have to do what the school says!!

And I don't know why as an educated person you can't understand the difference between the non-religious viewpoint of religion as a "belief" with no basis in fact, and the religious position of believer that what they believe is "fact".

And actually, on another thread, the op professes to be a pagan and highly excited that her niece is looking forward to one of the upcoming pagan festivals. So not quite the situation that's been presented here....

And is there some kind of bingo call for when someone brings up "if a Muslim had...." ?!?

MrSpoc - you are totally illogical. Your comment about the father is incorrect (he is actually a diff religion again, but more laid back). And the majority of people cannot afford to homeschool - we have to work too y'know.

And no, there was no choice at all of schools, we live in cow-land (so yes, it is my child).

Gwen - you were the one that started on comparisons with your family. And obv you think personal abuse is a relevant form of discussion, fine values there. And i do not believe AT ALL that if your child came home praying to e.g. Satan then you would say 'ok, if thats what you want'.

If dd had come home saying she wanted to pray, then i would've said 'go ahead'. Instead she said she had been instructed to pray, and had no idea why.

And anyone who has a faith really should not be using terms like blinkered.

She's at a CofE school. Seriously, are you a bit thick?!

So MK - did the teacher tell her specifically, or was it addressed to the class in general?

Um, Gwen.

The pagan festivals are part of our educating her in a number of faiths (i'm not a pagan) and nothing to do with the school. We are trying to educate to counter the indoctrination.

OP, I agree with you, but sadly I think it's up to her parents to intervene or not. It must be very frustrating. I get angry about indoctrination as well. I think it's unfair to keep pointing out that it's a C of E school; it was obviously made clear when the child was enrolled that she was being brought up atheist, and she is attending the school through lack of other options. Also, I went to a C of E school where we had prayers in assembly, Christmas, harvest festival etc, but I was NEVER told to do anything at home, pray or otherwise. I think that's out of order.

Er, I think if you read it properly, there was no personal abuse, just my opinion on your defence. There is a difference. You were the one who started being unpleasant. Maybe you ought to look at your posting style if you don't like the responses.

And take some control back, your sister/in law is way too involved.

MrSpoc - no, that is not a choice for most peope. This country offers state education, which should be open and equal for all. Home schooling demands that there is a parent at home, not needing to work, which could well work out even more expensive than private schooling.
Why should people who live in rural areas only have a religious school or home schooling?
How very undemocratic.

Hang on a minute....

Gwen said "And actually, on another thread, the op professes to be a pagan"

The Op is freyjasauntie.

So why is "MammKernow" answering as if she is the op now.....

No, you're picking and choosing. She is being brought up atheist, apparently. That's the root of your argument. Except it's ok that she take part in some festivals but call the police if she mentions the 'God' word. I don't give a toss what you do with your child, but don't kid yourself.

I thought the school was also doing an amazing job of religious education with a Christmas play about celebrations of other faiths. Surely they're countering their own indoctrination then?!

I assume when she takes part in a pagan festival it's a fully educational experience where she will be taught these are just beliefs even though the people around her think x,y, or z is real... as in "fact"

MK is the mum, the OP is the very very involved aunt.

Because Mammkernow is the child's mother Coco. The Op must have put a call out :o

educated aunt!

SoVeryLucky - the vast majority of faith schools are completely funded by the LA. They are funded at the same level as community primaries to provide an education. Some may have enowment finds or do additional fundraising - just like secular foundation schools - but the teaching and running costs are paid by the LA.

I never got a 10m swimming badge :(

WTF?!

Mumsnet gets weirder everyday....

dont go to a fucking c of e school then

that bothered, take her out, send her to a normal state comp

YAVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVU

GAH

Gwen- guess you don't agree with the 'it takes a village...' idea then? In what way have i given away control of my child?

Coco- I was saying i am not the op and i am not pagan.

Anyway, lunch break over so will catch up this eve.

If dd had come home saying she wanted to pray, then i would've said 'go ahead'. Instead she said she had been instructed to pray, and had no idea why

She is FIVE, kids easily get confused between being told about something, and being told to do something at that age you know.

She has been learning about prayer (not a big fecking surprise at a church school really is it... ).. so has come home saying "I have to pray"... er yeah, thats the sort of thing 5yo's do ... just as if she had been having a lesson about making pizza, she would come home and say "we HAVE to make a pizza"...