Provision
Nursery at first state-funded Hindu school
The UK's first state-funded Hindu primary school has opened in north London.
Pupils at play at Krishna Avanti school
The Krishna Avanti Primary School in Edgware in the borough of Harrow had its official opening last Friday.
The school had been based for nearly two years in a temporary building in the grounds of a local primary school.
The nursery attached to the new school is registered for 26 children who attend a three-hour morning session.
The school serves the large local Hindu community and includes a temple where children can go to pray and chant.
It caters for children from nursery to year six and follows the EYFS and national curriculum.
Pupils can practise yoga, learn the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit and follow Vaishnavism, the teachings of Hindu god Vishnu.
Each classroom also has its own shrine, where pupils can pray and leave offerings such as fruit.
Children of all faiths are welcome at the school and pupils learn about different religions as well as being taught Hindu concepts, such as the equality of all living things.
These beliefs are also extended to the food the children are served. Krishna Avanti is thought to be the first school in the country to serve only vegetarian meals.
Sandra Clark, nursery teacher and acting deputy head, said, 'The school will give Hindu children a sense of identity and the opportunity for them to integrate with others. To expand on this, we have built links with the local community and other schools in the area.'
The school premises have been designed to be eco-friendly, built from recycled materials and with under-floor heating, gaining it the top environmental standard rating.
The charity behind the Krishna Avanti School, the I Foundation, which helps to establish sustainable projects, is planning to build similar Hindu settings in the city of Leicester.
