Sharing/conflict resolution at nursery school?

notanewuser

Nicki wrote: »

I don't think parents should be able to give a blanket veto to what is taught in or done in schools no. By way of example, the majority of kids in my children's schools are Muslim and some Muslim parents have suggested that the PHSE policy should be amended to remove reference to people "dating" before marriage because their kids don't do that and also to remove references to homosexuality. I can't see that being a forward step.

But again, you're talking about changing academic lessons, not daily practice. If over 50% of parents didn't want their children participating in an encouraged daily game of kiss chase, would you expect the school to continue encouraging it?

Nicki

notanewuser wrote: »

But again, you're talking about changing academic lessons, not daily practice. If over 50% of parents didn't want their children participating in an encouraged daily game of kiss chase, would you expect the school to continue encouraging it?

Better (and more real) example if more than 50% of parents wanted segregated playgrounds and mealtimes would I expect the school to allow it (by gender). Answer no.

peachyprice

notanewuser wrote: »

Do you disagree with the idea that parents could be asked what they actually want by schools?

That just wouldn't be practical though would it. You'd have to ask every new intake what they wanted from the school and you'd have to integrate that with choices that other parents made in previous years.

Let's say for example that in your DD's year group you did find a substantial number of likeminded parents and the school changed their worship policy to your year group's preference. Next September a new group of parents come along, with a large proportion of them wanting worship three times a day. Who does the school please, the new parents or the existing parents? At what point do the school grant parents the right to choose?

Mojisola

balletshoes wrote: »

i completely agree - especially when its 3 times a day, and its the same religion which is being worshipped every school day. Thats not learning about it, thats participating, to me.

As people have said that participating doesn't indoctrinate children and it's good to understand other people's faiths, the schools could have assemblies and prayers based on six major faiths - dedicate one half term to each - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Paganism (as that's where all the religions started).

If non-religious parents shouldn't worry about their children participating in Christian rituals three times a day, then Christian parents won't be concerned about their children spending six weeks learning Muslim prayers.

slightlyconfused1

Quote" The system is different in Scotland. It seems to work well there. Parents are actively canvassed to give their view on the issue. Why shouldn't that be the case in other parts of the UK"

Dont know where you got the idea that this happens. I have had children in the education system in Scotland for the past 19 years and not once have my views on religious education been sought.

In non denominational schools religion is taught but they also have church ceremonies and visits from the minister (I don't think she preaches though). Personally I don't have a problem with my children experiencing church services. It widens their knowledge of life and increases their understanding of other people who do practice religion. Experience and knowledge are how we prepare for the adult world.

notanewuser

peachyprice wrote: »

That just wouldn't be practical though would it. You'd have to ask every new intake what they wanted from the school and you'd have to integrate that with choices that other parents made in previous years.

Let's say for example that in your DD's year group you did find a substantial number of likeminded parents and the school changed their worship policy to your year group's preference. Next September a new group of parents come along, with a large proportion of them wanting worship three times a day. Who does the school please, the new parents or the existing parents? At what point do the school grant parents the right to choose?

Not sure, but it's what they do in Scotland perfectly happily. (I assume it's done each year based on overall majority.)

In DD's case now, it's not a statutory requirement anyway. So they could easily drop it, as it's not something parents could reasonably expect for nursery children.

Nicki

I personally would not have an issue with that Mojisola and would allow my children to participate. I would however expect parents to have a right to withdraw their children from it if they chose, as they currently do.

Mojisola

slightlyconfused1 wrote: »

In non denominational schools religion is taught but they also have church ceremonies and visits from the minister (I don't think she preaches though). Personally I don't have a problem with my children experiencing church services. It widens their knowledge of life and increases their understanding of other people who do practice religion. Experience and knowledge are how we prepare for the adult world.

Not by very much if they are only given the experience of one version of one religion.

I would expect, as part of RE, that the children would learn about all the major faiths and have visits from a range of religious leaders who would talk about their beliefs and religious practices.

notanewuser

slightlyconfused1 wrote: »

Quote" The system is different in Scotland. It seems to work well there. Parents are actively canvassed to give their view on the issue. Why shouldn't that be the case in other parts of the UK"

Dont know where you got the idea that this happens. I have had children in the education system in Scotland for the past 19 years and not once have my views on religious education been sought.

In non denominational schools religion is taught but they also have church ceremonies and visits from the minister (I don't think she preaches though). Personally I don't have a problem with my children experiencing church services. It widens their knowledge of life and increases their understanding of other people who do practice religion. Experience and knowledge are how we prepare for the adult world.

I read it somewhere when researching - will try to find it. In any case, scottish school religious observance is much less strict and less frequent, being 6 occasions per academic year.

As for "increases their understanding of other people who do practice religion", it's only 1 religion, and a minority one in Scotland!

lostinrates

Mojisola wrote: »

As people have said that participating doesn't indoctrinate children and it's good to understand other people's faiths, the schools could have assemblies and prayers based on six major faiths - dedicate one half term to each - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Paganism (as that's where all the religions started).

If non-religious parents shouldn't worry about their children participating in Christian rituals three times a day, then Christian parents won't be concerned about their children spending six weeks learning Muslim prayers.

I think it would be fabulous opportunity to learn. The greater appreciation of art, what cannot be depicted and why, where the similarities lie and where divergences began and why.

Someone mentioned thought for the day earlier. I rarely here it now, but I think its a good think, more so BECAUSE its multi faith now. I suppose an educational version of that would be almost ideal. True exposure to different view points on the world.