Religious preschool/school - how much religion is involved?

[anunseemlylovefordustin]

I live close to a preschool and primary school which are both rated as Outstanding. They are both CofE schools. DD will be 2 in August and has just been offered a place at the preschool two mornings a week. I was pretty happy about this but exDH has raised concerns about how much religion will be 'pushed' from an early age (neither of us are religious, and so far we have agreed on all decisions related to our DD). Does anyone have any experience of what sort of religious element there is in day to day schooling at a CofE school? Presumably they have to teach about all religions, not just CofE?

My gut feeling is that it won't be an issue, I'm a critical thinker and pretty open minded, and trust that as she grows up DD will have been given the tools by us to make decisions for herself as to what religion (if any) she wants to be. But I think DH might have a point, and I want to at least respect his right to raise concerns. Would love to hear some 'real life' experience.

(I don't want to ask the school outright, as I worry that it might count against us - the preschool and school are wildly oversubscribed, apparently people actually move to the area to try and get into the catchment etc).

Thanks for any insight you can provide!

Is the preschool linked to the primary school? Will you be hoping for your child to go to the primary school? Most preschools attached to schools are private, and do not guarantee a place at the school. You may find on school application that they prioritise CofE children (baptised, church attendees, etc).

In preschool it's unlikely to come up much beyond religious holidays like Easter and Christmas, where they might read stories about Jesus, talk about his story, and make artwork relating to it. There might be a visit or two to a church or similar, but sitting through Mass is a bit much for a 3-year-old.

In school, yes all religions are taught as part of the curriculum, but in a religious school they'll have lessons specifically relating to that religion and will probably attend church services.

My kids go to a C of E private school that takes kids from 2-18. Other than attending church every other week where the ‘lesson’ is quite general and annual carol service and Easter service, I don’t think religion comes into it. My kids are of no religion and it hasn’t affected them at all.

Thanks! The preschool is attached to the primary school and yes, anecdotally I've heard that she has more of a chance of getting into the primary school if she attends the preschool. Whether that's true or not I have no idea (first time parent). I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and ask them directly what's involved.

Also, is it normal for them to do a home visit? In the email offering her a place it mentions going there for a tour/visit but also them arranging a home visit. I'm not worried in the slightest about them visiting my home, but it seems a little unusual to me (again, zero experience in this area!)

Please be aware that whether a school is a faith school or not, all schools have to engage in a daily act of worship that is broadly Christian in nature. Faith schools are likely to do more than this. You have the right to withdraw your child from worship, but be aware that this means they won't take part in the usual Christmas celebrations, nativity play etc.