Worship criteria

[Zyxcba]

My DD currently attends a C of E infant school which is not local to us. She will need to move to a junior school for year 3. There is one local to us which is also C of E. However, she will only get a place at this junior school if we fulfil the relevant worship criteria which means:

"Children who are themselves, or whose parent(s) are actively involved in the worship of the Parish Church in X"

The notes go on to state that actively involved in the worship means:

"Children and/or parent(s) attending church regularly over the six months immediately prior to application, at least once a month"

The Parish Church offers three services. 8 am Holy Communion; 10 am Parish Communion; Evening service of peaceful prayer and praise. Along with Messy Church for children in the afternoon.

Based on the admissions criteria, do you think we have a choice about which service to attend? I may sometimes go alone or sometimes bring my daughter with me.

Thank you

It does sound like it. It's that you attend, rather than when you attend.

Just be aware though (my children are also in an infant school / junior school set up) that you’ve checked all the entrance criteria. So, for our school top of the criteria to enter the junior school is that you’ve been to the infant school, so if you’re moving out of area and it’s full you might not get a place anyway.

Thank you. I have checked, and attending regular worship is higher on the list of priorities than a child attending the local village school. In reality, all of those who either attend the church or go to the local village school get a place.

They might discount Messy Church, but the other three services definitely count. The vicar will be able to confirm whether or not Messy Church counts.

Why would they discount it? Isn't it just worship through arts and crafts?

I think you would need to attend any of the three services rather than messy church. It shouldn't matter which one. Usually the priest will have to write or sign something so try to make yourself known to them.

It is, but some vicars don't regard it as "proper" worship.

That's disappointing to hear