ABSTRACT
The Labour government’s decision to expand faith-based schools is seen as a victory for parental choice but are they necessarily good for children? Is there not a case for suggesting that, in terms of freedom of conscience, faith-based schools may in fact breach children’s rights? This chapter looks at these questions within the legal context of faith-based schools and the developing notion of children’s rights. The concept of children’s rights vis-à-vis those of the parents is explored together with the potential for ‘rights in conflict’. Finally, discussion focuses on the rights of the child with reference to issues of autonomy and self-determination and the ways in which these may appear to be undermined within faith-based schools.
