Secular Café: Too many faith schools in England?

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Too many faith schools in England? Feb 17th 2013, 11:51 The policies of successive governments have resulted in a decrease in the proportion of more-or-less secular publicly funded schools, so that more and more children get religion thrust at them while undergoing compulsory education. See this story: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.u...#axzz2Kx4KV7Bw Quote: A family have been told to send their five-year-old two miles away to the city's Hindu free school after they were informed three local primaries were full. Micayla Dodd and her partner, Ryan Thompson, moved from Thurmaston to Lymington Road, in Netherhall, in October, along with Micayla's daughter, Grace, five... ...The family said they would prefer Grace studied closer to home than this school, which has a Hindu ethos and takes half of its pupils from the Hindu faith. Krishna Avanti Primary said it "promotes educational excellence, character formation and spiritual insight through holistic, responsible lifestyles and a vegetarian diet, as well as a curriculum that integrates yoga and meditation". It draws on the teachings of the Indian Saint, Sri Chaitanya, to "emphasize equality, love, compassion and selflessness that stretches across all faiths". Mr Thompson said: "I have nothing against the faith, but, it's not the type of school we would consider sending Grace to. It's disgusting the local authority can't find a local school to send her to and is suggesting one that's not even part of the local authority."... ...A spokesman for the city council said it was only obliged to ensure there were a sufficient number of places within the local authority area. He said: "This includes voluntary-aided, trust and free schools, as well as academies and community schools. We are not obliged to provide solely community school places. "We were unable to offer a place at any of the applicant's three preferred schools as they were all fully subscribed and advised that places were available at the nearby Krishna Avanti Primary. We also advised the applicant of their right to appeal the decision. "We're exploring a range of options to increase capacity and create additional primary places across Leicester. This work is ongoing and it's too early to discuss in detail."

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