CofE schools any thoughts?

[livvylouis]

Hi DD will be starting pre-school next year, we were all set to send her to our local non CofE school until a few weeks ago, but I have recentely started attending a CofE church and am being baptised in feb. I feel strongly about bringing my children up as Christians and I feel a CofE school help but my husband isn't so sure and as the school is futher away thinks it is not nessarcary.

Any comments would be greatfully received.

I think its worth at least looking at the school. Our local C of E school serves the local community as well, and there isn't as much emphasis on Christianity as I would expect. However it IS linked to our local church that we attend and our vicar does go in and give assemblies, and sometimes the school has children's services at our church.

Also, after school of Friday's, a number of the children attend "pizza praise", which is bible study aimed at children, based on the "animated bible stories" DVDs. The aim of these is to engage the children's minds and encourage them to ask questions about what they see in the DVDs, rather than drum home a message.

Is the school linked to the church you attend, or is it linked to another church?

I think it is the parents' influence more than the influence of the school that is important in a child's life. So I would agree with your dh that it is not 'necessary' for your dd to attend a faith based school.
As Mary says, I would go and have a look at both schools and choose the one you like best.
There is also the thought that if anything untoward happens you will think "and I thought they were CHRISTIANS"
I'm so glad you have found you need God in your life, He will never disappoint you or let you down.

Mary the school is linked with the church I attend so maybe I could speek to our vicar and see what she thinks.
Dutch I agree my influence is deff more important than the schools but I feel I have so much to learn myself and as my husband and family are non believers I could do with all the support I can get IYSWIM! Thanx for comments though greatly appreciated

You've probably got an advantage livvy, because as you learn, you can be passing it on to your children!

See what your vicar says. Also, do the practical research, like have you compared ofsted inspections?

It might be worth having a look specifically at how much religion is being taught at the non Cof E school. There have been a few threads on here recently with people complaining about how much God finds his way into non-faith schools. Certainly the children at my DS's school go to the local church a couple of times a year for Easter and Harvest. Also they have a religious content in assemblies and prayers. They are taught Christian values of kindness forgiveness etc and they do the traditional nativity. The vicar and the curate of our church are on the board of governors of the infants and the juniors. I doubt if a C of E school would do that much more than a school like this.

But in the end chose the school you like best, with the most impressive head teacher and a decent Ofsted. Your children can always learn from Sunday School too, if your church has one.

Sorry I should have been clear, my DS's school is a non-faith school.