I chose the wrong school, and got it.

[Tawdrylocalbrouhaha]

Ok, it was stupid, but DS has been offered my first choice, and really prefer the second choice. I also don't know how the hell he got an offer, but that is beside the point.

How do I fix this?! Please advise!

I went to Catholic School myself (being Catholic and living in Ireland) and the nuns barely mentioned religion. But this school seems to make more of a big deal out of it. Mind you I wrote in the comments box "DS is not baptised and we don't attend Mass, but as a single working parent I really admire your commitment to providing excellent wrap around and holiday childcare." So they do know what they're getting.

Holiday childcare sounds v important in your situation.

DS has come home this Easter in year 1 asking me what JS stands for (Jesus Survives apparently) and is really into it. This is at a normal primary school
I think you need to take a day or two to get your thoughts together I think you had decided you were not going to get this school and had talked yourself out of it and into School B as a defence mechanism. So take your time and revisit it in a week or two

It is! But is it wrong to send your child off to be taught lots of bonkers stuff you don't believe in, just to access their childcare? Their low price high quality childcare which covers almost all holidays...?

I had definitely talked myself out of school A, but they genuinely are very different schools, and apart from the childcare I would always have gone for school B. But yes, I will have a good think.

Fine IMO. I’m an atheist and would much prefer that no schools were religious, but we didn’t design the system.

Lots and lots of non denominational state schools have worship in assemblies and teach christianity as fact.

Are there other good childcare options locally?

There aren't enough childminders, and as far as I can tell most of them take long holidays. The holiday provision is open to all children, but student of school A get priority. Then there are other camps etc, but not right on my doorstep (which School A and School B are. Literally 2 minutes each.)

Then I still think the school you’ve been allocated seems by far the best option.

It is! But is it wrong to send your child off to be taught lots of bonkers stuff you don't believe in, just to access their childcare?

DD1 is in reception at a non faith school and she told me recently that ‘Jesus is the most important man who ever lived’. They get taught this stuff as fact in all schools it seems! DD and I had a talk about ‘critical thinking’...

Most people I know use school camps for YrR and Yr1 but then the kids get bored of them and want to do sports, drama, adventure camps etc. They want t9 try new stuff. My 7&9 year old grew out of our great school holiday club 2 years ago. I'd go non faith

I went to a Catholic convent school. Not Catholic, non-church going family. Parents sent me there as had a good reputation academically.

DS goes to a Methodist school. I am no more religious than I was when I went to the convent. But this school fitted DS.

You just put up with the religious bit. As PP have said most schools teach religion, it’s part of the curriculum.

If you like the school, think your DC will be happy there and childcare is important, then stick with school A. You could always change schools later on, if no waiting list, if you find DC is not happy there.

My DD went to a Catholic school and we went to Mass every week.

Now at 14 she doesn't bother going at all - I've never asked her but I doubt whether she even believes in God any more.

The chances of any child becoming religious in the long term SOLELY on what they hear in a state school are virtually nil. Mainly they will just hear messages on how we should be nice to each other - which isn't a bad thing.

I teach at a church school, dd1 went to a C of E school and Dd2 went to a non denominational school (big age gap and we moved which is why they went to different schools.

I noticed no difference in what they were taught religion wise.

Only one teacher at my school is Christian and we have plenty of non Christian families. I have one child in my class whose parents are actively atheist and make it very clear- not a problem. I am agnostic and don't agree with organised religion yet I teach what is on the curriculum (which will be the same for all schools). It's more about learning about and respecting beliefs and living your life with good moral standards. So I really wouldn't worry about the religion part. Pick the school that works best for you as childcare can be a nightmare!

I was on your side until the 'bonkers' comment and ready to say don't worry too much about the religious side as there will be plenty of non religious people there. However, I think you should at least respect the religion if you choose a church school when you have a non denominational one available.

My children go to a CoE school. It is the only school in our village. I prioritised it over other schools because of the wrap around care. I actually rather like that they have religious education at school, and the occassionally trip to church, because they are never going to get it from me (lapsed Catholic) or DH. I’m not daft e ought I think that they’ll never come across religion, but by having it at school, it can be compartmentalised. It’s not something we “do at home”. Bear in mind that the National Curriculum has an element of RE and collective worship in (assemblies with hymns and prayers) regardless of whether it’s a faith school or not.

I’d go for school A. Your dc will by no means be left out, turn into religious freaks (although there may be a period of enthusiasm for something new, like many things), or be looked down upon.