Written question asked by Baroness Massey of Darwen (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative) on Monday, 12 March 2012.

Schools: Worship

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether allowing non-religious parents to withdraw their children from collective worship is an adequate alternative for the parents to having their children attend worship.

Answer: We think that the right of parents to have a choice about having their children educated according to their religious or philosophical belief is fundamental. The option for parents to withdraw their children from collective worship gives them the right to exercise this choice. Parents can also discuss with the school options for their child to attend alternative provision for collective worship. Schools are required to design collective worship provision so that it is appropriate to all pupils, regardless of whether or not they hold a religious belief. Schools also have the flexibility to lift the requirement for broadly Christian collective worship, enabling schools to provide collective worship that best meets the needs of their local communities.

Secondary information