Phew, what a lot is being covered in this thread. Having just read it from beginning to end (very quickly), can I just pick up on one or two points?
Firsty, I don't think I've ever read a mumnset message that says ' I will send my baby/toddler to the local state nursery etc because I want to to support the state system and my principles stop me from going private. It is not just a question of doing the best for my 2 year old - I am confident that with my support, they will thrive wherever they go. Has anyone here rejected a private nursery, monetessori education or a nanny for these reasons? Why should different principles apply to a reception year child? Let them take their chances at the local state primary etc - does two years make so much difference?
Tinker, you will not like this, but I am one of those parents who sent my child to a 'good' church school without being overtly religious.
My reasons were, yes, I wanted to do the best for my child. However, when I filled in the application form, I made a great point of not putting a desire for a christian education as a reason for sending my child there. Instead I centred on the strong sense of community found at the school. Rather tellingly, in our two hour interview with the head, we were not asked once if we were practising christians. And we did not say we were. All we were asked was if we would be willing for our son to take part in christian services - and we were told it was our right to refuse. Our son has not been christened or baptised either.
The school has high expectations of all pupils both academecally and behaviourwise. There is no playfighting in the playground for instance. I do not put this down to its christian ethos alone, it is rather a strong emphasis on community feeling and doing unto others etc. These high expectations extend to parents, too. It is carefully noted how much you support the school and your child. Obviously it does not take a christian belief to produce this ethos, but it just so happpens in our area that the other primaries to the best of my knowledge, are not like this.
The not-so-good state primary my son previously
attended had great teachers - we knew some as friends. They did not send their children to the school and said its problems were worsening. The problem was the weak and jobsworth head. If the teachers, there every day, could not change the situation, what hope is there for a humble working parent who only gets to visit the school sporadically? Yes, I tried to join the PTA. It took months before my numerous messages were returned.
Yes, I agree parents should take some responsibilty for educating their children and changing the system from within. But how much day to day suport can I give my son? I have a toddler and while he is up and running around (ie most of the time) it is hugely difficult to sit and work quietly with the oldest. And I have just the two. How do bigger families cope?
I've got more to say. I wish every school in the state system was excellent, don't we all? I cannot afford to go private, so, as a pragmatist, do not consider it. I do believe in doing the best for my children, though.
As for the twin topic of accent, I will post somthing later I hope - it is a very interesting discussion to someone like me who was sent to elecution lessons!