2013 entry- questions regarding religion

[schooldilemmas]

Hi,
A little previous, but have a DC who will start school in September 2013 so I guess the usual admissions procedures will start in the autumn? We live very rurally- there are 2 or three tiny village schools spread in a 2-4 mile radius. There is a larger village school, about 7 miles away, which is also a C of E school. My DP is indian, and we celebrate other festivals/follow elements of his faith as well as giving access to Christian religion (in which I was raised) however, we do not attend any church regularly. Basically I guess we are a multi-faith household, we feel very easy-going about it and don't want to raise DC in any one particular religion- she is free to choose, or not, as she wishes.

One of the very local primaries has a reputation for losing families because the Christian ethos is really championed to the extent that small children have been crying/upset about the fear of going to Hell- this worries me.

There is a possibility that we may consider a local private school, which is multi-faith, but this will all depend on our financial status next year and we can't definitely decide this yet. I guess what I want to know is:

-If we are considering private school, do we do the normal admissions process as well?

-Has anyone got any experience of sending dc to village c of e schools when you are multi-faith or a different religion? Was it successful?

-Is it possible to be accepted into a school 7 miles away, as long as they are not full?

Thanks

Yes, do apply, you don't know what will happen between now and then, so it's best to keep your options open.

Schools do vary in the extent to which they encourage religion, all schools will have some religious education/ worship as by law they have to, although you have the right to withdraw your child in any school (although you might look a bit silly if you applied to a church school because it was a church school - i.e. You say you want a church education to get into higher admission criteria then withdrew).

You can be amitted to a school 7 miles away, if there is space, but do bear in mind that it will be 28 miles a day for you, there and back, not including parents evenings, play dates, school fairs etc.

Have a look around them all, discuss with the schools your situation, and see how they would manage the situation. Children I know in similar situations the parents say 'oh well that's what they believe but we believe x', schools might also be keen to have you in to talk about your children's faith. The hell issue is probably easier for you, especially if you discuss before they start what your husband's faith says about death, most 4 yr olds seem interested in death. Do consider that if you withdraw them from religious education that they may miss out on christmas nativity shows, easter egg hunts etc, depending on your school's interpretation and what you tell them.

This is why it is a disgrace that there are any faith schools funded by the state.

Thanks. We wouldn't withdraw her from religious activities- wherever she goes I would like her to be fully involved, and I think speaking to her about what others believe would be good. We do a real mixture ourselves, so that is not an issue, and I guess a visit to the schools will help. Other factors to consider are that the very local schools offer very, very little in the way of after school clubs, or other opportunities. However the school 7 miles away is fab in that respect plus have family in that area who may like to pick her up occasionally. But obviously that school may not be an option.
The other issue nagging at me is that with the private school, while we would only send her if we could afford the fees and extras it entails, we would have to work hard to do it and she may always be in a different league to some of the wealth that may be apparent. I.e a smaller house, not as many holidays etc. I know this is not the be all and end all, and I am probably completely out of touch, more thinking about her feelings than what the reality is!
Has anyone for experience of this?

had any experience of this. and bump!