6.1. Ofsted Report on RE (published,17/04/2024)(SB)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-religious-education
Further links to summaries of the Ofsted Report:
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-criticises-limited-and-poor-quality-re-lessons/
6.2. RE Hubs (SB)
https://www.re-hubs.uk/get-involved/get-involved/
6.3. NASACRE conference (SB/KL)
6.4. New draft NASACRE CIO Constitution Slides*
6.5. Proposed NASACRE CIO Constitution:
Draft NASACRE Constitution May 2024
Proposed CIO Constitution changes
Minutes:
Agenda item 6.1
Members heard that an Ofsted Report on RE had been published on 17 April 2024, which recorded findings on the common strengths and weaknesses of religious education (RE) in the schools visited.
Student access to RE was reported to be statistically low. Members observed that there was limited access to research for teacher development to shaping the RE curriculum, which was one of the recommendations cited. Utilising videos for staff training in RE development was suggested.
Members emphasized the significance of the three types of knowledge given in the report. They acknowledged the need for further support for teaching staff who lacked confidence in teaching RE in accordance with the syllabus. The importance of nurturing children's personal voice and philosophy was underscored. Philosophy for children was recognised not only as acquiring knowledge and key concepts but also integrating personal perspectives at the primary level. It was agreed learning RE extended beyond factual knowledge to include reflecting on and sharing experiences related to religious education content.
The HSACRE Advisor had noted in the report instances where RE lessons focused more on literacy skills rather than specific RE content.
It was emphasised that additional support was necessary for subject deliverers beyond exclusively for RE specialists.
Members were informed that the LA through the HLP was providing CPD sessions which were currently free to all schools, and this initiative was set to continue.
Regarding secondary schools, it was reported that fewer than one-fifth of students, who did not take RE at A-levels, had studied any RE content in KS4 or KS5.
The Head of Education & Lifelong Learning (MH) explained that during Ofsted inspections, inspectors would assess whether the curriculum distinguished between primary and secondary education, and appropriately incorporated RE. He explained that the Ofsted report provided guidance on three key strands:
Intent - the intended outcomes and goals of the curriculum.
Implementation - how effectively the curriculum was delivered.
Impact - what students could discuss based on what they had learned.
It was noted from the Ofsted Report that feedback from young people indicated they lacked access to preparation for adult life.
Suggested recommendations as a SACRE, in line with the launch of the ‘universal promise’ to prepare children for adulthood, included communicating this message to schools via a bulletin*.
The HSACRE Advisor shared that in another borough she was intended to work on borough-wide training for school governors, focusing on essential knowledge for effective school governance.
A Member highlighted the need for varied training for school governors, drawing from their experience as school governor at Harmondsworth Primary School. This would enable the Chair of Governors to provide feedback that could be considered in ongoing discussions.
The Head of Education & Lifelong Learning approved of a similar plan for Hillingdon.
Agenda item 6.2
It was shared that the RE Hub website was operational with over 500 school speakers and places of interest for school visits registered.
The Borough of Hillingdon was currently underrepresented on the website, with only one Member registered.
The HSACRE Advisor reiterated the importance of all SACRE faith representative Committee Members to register as faith speakers on the RE Hubs website.
Councillors who were practicing believers could also register as faith speakers.
Teacher representatives in Group C encouraged Members to sign up as faith speakers on the RE Hubs website to widen the values and representation of faith groups.
Agenda item 6.3
Key highlights from the NASACRE Conference in May, shared by SACRE Member Keith Lunn, included a review of the year's significant developments in RE, such as the publication of the National Content Standard for RE, a new Religion and Worldviews Handbook, an OFSTED review (as per above), and a House of Lords debate.
Three SACREs received awards, including projects in other boroughs supported by current HSACRE Advisor, Stacey Burman.
Lat Blaylock of ‘RE Today’ presented 35 ways SACREs could enhance their impact, including raising the profile of RE, securing funding, providing CPD, hosting annual conferences, and recognising good practice in schools.
Suggestions from the conference, included breakout groups, focused on strengthening SACRE foundations through increased collaboration, frequent meetings, and cross-border events.
The conference featured several uplifting presentations, emphasising the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, especially young people, on contemporary faith-related issues.
A Leicester initiative to link Peace Studies with the RE curriculum showed ways in which local contexts can be sensitively harnessed, e.g. around Remembrance Sunday.
A subsequent workshop for SACRE chairs and vice-chairs on ‘How SACRE’s can get more active’ offered practical ideas for increasing SACRE activity, such as introducing members, utilising NASACRE resources, and ensuring inclusive and effective meetings.
In light of the above, the HSACRE Advisor shared her eagerness to also advance SACRE's work. One suggestion was building an increased presence through a dedicated webpage, to include statements from SACRE (as per the above* 6.1), as well as developing resources for schools that promoted interfaith dialogue by involving various religions.
The HSACRE Advisor described a previous project creating real video clips addressing questions like "What happens when we die?" featuring diverse responses from SACRE Members to spark interfaith discussions in classrooms.
In response to the suggestion of increasing understanding of SACRE members’ worldviews and religions, it was suggested that the next SACRE meeting would be held in person to best facilitate an interfaith dialogue exercise to be arranged by the HSACRE Advisor. (See item 10.2)
Agenda item 6.4 / item 6.5
NASACRE aimed to gain recognition as a charitable organisation.
They had drafted a proposal and were seeking feedback from all SACRE members. Members of HSACRE were asked to respond directly to the contact at NASACRE if they desired. Details had been provided.
Supporting documents:
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