Agenda and minutes

(To receive opening reflections by Atikur Rehman Patel (Islamic Association of Lincoln))

Reflections were given by Cherry Edwards OBE.

RESOLVED:

              That Chris Burke be elected as the Chairman of the Standing               Advisory Council for Religious Education for 2022/23.

RESOLVED :

              That Cherry Edwards OBE be elected as the Vice-Chairman of the        Standing Advisory Council       for Religious Education for 2022/23.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor J Brockway, Amanda Grant, Elizabeth Moore, Atikur Rehman Patel and Jill Chandar-Nair.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED:

              That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2022 be approved          as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

No correspondence had been received by the Chairman.

SACRE welcomed Jasmit Kaur Phull, the Sheriff of Lincoln to the meeting. The Sheriff reflected on her experiences of growing up with Sikh faith and the importance of teaching faith and the lessons it teaches about morals, respect and love.

(To receive a report from Wendy Harrison, RE Adviser, which provides the analysis of Ofsted reports from March 16^th 2022 – 20^th July 2022)

Consideration was given to a report by the RE Adviser, which provided an analysis of Ofsted reports for the period of March 16th – 20th July 2022.

The RE Advisor highlighted an increase in reports of consistency in some key stage 2 pupil’s knowledge of different faith and beliefs and assurance was provided that schools who had received reports of concern would be contacted and supported to address any issues with teaching and to highlight the issues. 

During discussion on the report, concerns were raised regarding the teaching of the ‘life’ curriculum for R.E and the assumption being made by some inspectors that this equated to good quality religious education. The importance of offering a balance of religions within the syllabus was highlighted.

In response to a question, it was noted that the RE Adviser would engage with Chapel St Leonards Primary School to obtain further information on their ‘Deep Dive’ in Religious Education and report back at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

              That the report be noted and that further information on their ‘Deep       Dive’ in Religious Education at Chapel St Leonards Primary School              be reported at the next meeting

(To receive a report from Gillian Georgiou, Diocesan RE Adviser, which provides an analysis of recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspections)

Consideration was given to a report by the Diocesan RE Adviser, which provided an update onStatutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspections since the last meeting, as detailed in the report.

Members were advised that only one inspection had taken place, which was likely due to an increase in the retiring inspectors during the pandemic and difficulties in training new inspectors whilst closures of schools were ongoing. It was expected that the number of inspections would increase as many of the trainee inspectors had completed the necessary training. 

RESOLVED:

              That the report be noted.

(To receive a report by Gillian Georgiou, Diocesan RE Adviser, which provides an update on her work with schools)

Consideration was given to an update by the Diocesan RE Adviser which provided an update on the recent work undertaken, including work on the national Worldviews Project, work on action research projects to determine the measures for good quality education in RE, school visits and training and mentoring staff.

RESOLVED:

              That the report be noted.

(To receive a report by Wendy Harrison, RE Adviser, which asks the Committee to agree the process for the review of Lincolnshire’s Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education)

Consideration was given to a report by the RE Adviser, which asked SACRE to agree the process for the review of Lincolnshire’s Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education through an agreed syllabus conference which would produce and recommend the syllabus.

The report noted that it was not anticipated that a detailed re-write was required, however many changes had taken place since the present syllabus was produced, which were set out in the report.

Due to the publication of the Worldviews Project Materials, including guidance resource for syllabus writers, in early 2024 and the expectations set out in the Ofsted RE Research review (2021) members that a more in-depth re-write of the syllabus may be required and members unanimously voted to request a deferral of the review of the agreed syllabus.

The Diocesan RE Advisor noted that the current syllabus was rooted in building knowledge of particular religions whilst providing a balance of religious worldviews, and questioned whether there was a need to move towards looking at concepts of worldviews to transform learning, rather than focussing solely on teaching specific religious worldviews.

RESOVLED:

              That it be recommended to the Local Authority that the review of the   agreed syllabus be deferred for a year. 

(To receive an update from Wendy Harrison, RE Adviser)

Consideration was given to an update from the RE Advisor on her recent work with schools, which included online training sessions for teachers, providing support within schools, working on the SACRE Annual Report, and working towards creating the new syllabus. An increase in demand from teachers for in person meetings was also noted.

RESOLVED:

              That the report be noted.

(To receive a report from Cherry Edwards OBE, Church of England representative which invites the Committee to discuss the SACRE Self-Assessment Tool)

Consideration was given to an update by the Vice-Chairman which invited SACRE to review the SACRE Self-Assessment Tool which noted the challenging and diverse work of SACRES and highlighted an opportunity for SACRE members to provide input into the strengths of Lincolnshire SACRE and areas for development.

Agreement was sought that the Democratic Services Officer circulate a copy of the SACRE Self-Assessment to all members for completion, with the aim for the Vice-Chairman to collate all responses into an action plan for consideration by February 2023. The Local Authority Adviser will then provide the expertise and support in drawing up a draft action plan for consideration by February 2023.

RESOLVED:

              That the SACRE Self-Assessment be circulated by the Democratic Services    Officer for completion.

(To receive a report from Wendy Harrison, Local RE Adviser, which invites the Committee to discuss a report on the Review of the Performance of Religious Education)

Consideration was given to an update by the RE Adviser, which invited members to discuss a report on the Review of the Performance of Religious Education, as set out in the agenda pack.

SACRE raised issue with the section on Government Performance and the removal of any form of funding in terms of training or broader curriculum projects, highlighting a need for funding for those training in the teaching of religious education. In relation to Educational Priorities, concerns were also raised that religious education often did not include learning on wider issues such as the climate crisis and the understanding of diversity.

It was agreed that a letter be drafted to the Local Authority on behalf of SACRE outlining their concerns as recorded.

RESOLVED :

              That a letter be drafted to the Local Authority on behalf of SACRE outlining their concerns, as recorded.

(A volunteer is sought to undertake reflections at the next meeting)

It was agreed that Sian Wade provide opening reflections at the next meeting.

(The next meeting is scheduled to take place on ____)

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 7 March 2022.