The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of Hounslow Council was scheduled to convene on Thursday, 22 January 2026. The meeting's agenda included updates on national and local religious education matters, a review of previous minutes, and discussions on the council's membership and future action planning.

Membership and Declarations of Interest

The council was scheduled to receive an update on its membership and attendance, with potential new members Kazim Maroofi (Shia) and Lubna Khan (Head Teacher) being considered. Members were also reminded to ensure they were signed up to GovHub. The agenda also included a review of declarations of interest, with the Clerk tasked with uploading any changes to GovHub and contacting members who had not attended recent meetings to confirm their ongoing commitment.

Determinations and Collective Worship Guidance

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on Determinations, specifically concerning the dissemination of Policy and Collective Worship Guidance. This follows previous discussions where it was noted that some schools were applying for Determinations when they did not necessarily need them, indicating a potential lack of clarity around the requirements for Collective Worship (CW). The report pack indicated that the council would be reviewing guidance to clarify when a Determination is required and to provide support materials for schools regarding CW. This guidance aims to ensure that schools understand the legal requirements for CW, which must be wholly or broadly Christian in nature, but can also reflect the diversity of faiths and beliefs within the community. The council was also scheduled to discuss the first meeting of the Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC), with the intention of reviewing the locally agreed syllabus, which must be reviewed every five years.

National and Local Updates

The council was set to receive updates on national matters, including information from RE Hubs, the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (NASACRE), and a review of the Curriculum and Assessment. There was also a specific agenda item to address Sikhi teaching in schools. Local updates were expected to cover Teacher Sessions, Workforce Data, and the Interfaith calendar in memory of Lesley Prior.

Action Planning and Future Meetings

The meeting was scheduled to include a review of the action plan, with Stacey Burman (RE Advisor) responsible for updating it with agreed actions. The date for the next meeting was to be discussed, with suggested dates in March 2026.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Tarbiyyah Primary School, 40, New Heston Road, TW5 0LJ.