The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Monday 26 January 2015 to discuss the role of SACRE, religious education and good community relations, and the religious needs of Muslim pupils. The council confirmed minutes from a previous meeting and noted future meeting dates.

Role of SACRE

The council discussed a letter from Lord Nash regarding the role of SACRE. Mr. John Johnson, an advisor to SACRE, highlighted concerns about the promotion of a bursary scheme for trainee RE teachers, suggesting it be advertised through teaching schools and the Council's Human Resources Service due to recruitment difficulties.

Religious Education and Good Community Relations

A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Religious Education was presented. Mrs. Jeanne Rathbone, a co-opted member, noted that humanist groups were disappointed by the exclusion of a humanist element from the RE GCSE curriculum, despite the All Party Parliamentary Group's support for its inclusion. Mr. Roger Butler, an advisor to SACRE, explained that the Religious Education Council (REC) supports the All Party Parliamentary Group and represents numerous faith organisations.

Meeting the Religious Needs of Muslim Pupils

Ms Davina Salmon, an advisor to SACRE, provided an update on the development of guidance for Wandsworth schools regarding the religious needs of Muslim pupils. A first draft had been circulated for comment, with a second draft being prepared by Ms Dames, an EMA Consultant. This guidance aims to address curriculum and policy issues such as school uniform and time off for religious festivals, following requests from local schools. The guidance will include an introduction explaining its origins and will be reviewed by headteachers and a working group.

Mr. Yunus Bobat, representing the Muslim community, expressed concern that Muslims had not been sufficiently involved in the preparation of the guidance and hoped it would provide guidelines for schools without attempting to teach Islam. He also raised concerns about the increase in Islamophobia following the Paris attacks and the potential for the draft Terrorism Bill to unfairly target the Muslim community. Councillor Ephson inquired about objections to children participating in music classes, and Ms Salmon advised that the guidance would assist schools in addressing such concerns. Ms Salmon also noted that parents have the right to withdraw their children from sex education and religious education.

Ms Salmon explained that issues raised with schools included arrangements for changing and participation in PE and art. Ms Brookes, representing Teachers' Associations, shared her experience at Burntwood School, stating that most students participated in the full curriculum, and the school was sensitive to how it was delivered. She added that Burntwood meets with all parents before their child joins to discuss any concerns.

Mr. Bobat requested that guidance be provided on dealing with Islamophobia and asked how Wandsworth schools would address the new requirements of the draft Terrorism Bill. Councillor Mrs. Antonia Dunn, Chair of SACRE, stated that the Terrorism Bill was outside SACRE's remit but that Mr. Johnson could relay concerns. She added that she was unaware of a general increase in Islamophobic attacks but stressed the importance of stamping out such incidents.

Mrs. Rathbone raised concerns about the involvement of street pastors in anti-bullying work at Southfields Community College and questioned why only one section of the community was involved. Mr. Johnson stated he would investigate this, noting that a wide range of organisations, including Stonewall, are involved in anti-bullying work in the borough's schools. Mr. Johnson also explained that Prevent training highlights the dangers of Islamophobia and primarily focuses on right-wing extremism, with discussions planned for headteachers regarding schools' role in identifying extremism. Ms Brookes suggested inviting Mr. Pring, the Prevent Co-ordinator, to share his training materials at a future SACRE meeting.

Annual Report

The council was informed that the Annual Report had been submitted.

SACRE Meeting Dates for 2015

SACRE noted that its next meetings were scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2015, and Tuesday, 13 October 2015. The latter will be a joint meeting with the Wandsworth Joint Faiths Group. All meetings will be held at Wandsworth Town Hall and commence at 7:30 p.m., with pre-meetings starting at 7:00 p.m.