The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting was scheduled to discuss updates on faith forums and interfaith week, a report on student social action projects, and the council's priorities for the upcoming year. The meeting also included a review of the SACRE's self-evaluation and updates on Religious Education (RE) matters.

Faith Forum, F&BF and Interfaith Week 2026 Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the activities of the Interfaith Forum and preparations for Interfaith Week 2026. Discussions were anticipated regarding opportunities for faith leaders to engage with schools through question-and-answer sessions and educational activities. Councillor Reverend Canon Ann Easter, Deputy Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment and Mayoral Advisor for Faith, was expected to outline ambitions to strengthen links between faith communities and the Council, following her appointment as the Mayor's Faith Adviser.

Student RE Report

A presentation was scheduled regarding the progress of the Student SACRE social action project. This project, involving six participating schools, explored how religious and non-religious worldviews influence individuals and communities in supporting others and contributing positively to society. The report pack indicated that the project aimed to increase awareness of local support services available to young people and families. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, was noted as having welcomed the presentation and inquired about expanding participation. Officers were expected to advise on the programme's continued school support despite financial pressures affecting teacher release time. Discussions were also anticipated regarding future funding opportunities, including a grant application for a programme focusing on identity, purpose, belief, and the human condition, utilising creative approaches such as film, sculpture, and poetry. A leadership scholarship exploring humanity, belief, and artificial intelligence was also mentioned.

2026-2027 SACRE Priorities Update

The committee was scheduled to review progress against its agreed priorities for the 2026-2027 period. The report pack indicated that the majority of objectives were expected to have been achieved, with only a small number of actions ongoing.

SACRE Self-Evaluation

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a SACRE self-evaluation exercise, utilising a self-evaluation tool designed to help SACREs assess their effectiveness. The tool focuses on five key dimensions: management and partnership with the Local Authority (LA) and stakeholders; promoting improvement in standards, teaching, and provision in RE; evaluating the effectiveness of the locally agreed syllabus; promoting improvement in the provision and quality of collective worship; and contributing to community cohesion. The report pack provided detailed frameworks for evaluating practice within each of these areas, with descriptors for 'Requires improvement/struggling', 'Developing', 'Established', and 'Advanced' practice.

RE Updates

Several updates concerning Religious Education (RE) were scheduled. Yasmin Begum was expected to report on key themes from the NASACRE Conference, highlighting the importance of high-quality RE in promoting community cohesion, tolerance, and understanding. Members were to note that Newham SACRE was considered to reflect national best practice. The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on RE within the national curriculum, including information on the Curriculum and Assessment Review, consultation arrangements, and the future status of RE. Members were to be informed that RE remains statutory but outside the National Curriculum, with any future reforms subject to lengthy consultation. Discussions were anticipated regarding the future role of SACREs, support for teachers, academy involvement, Ofsted oversight, and Newham's contribution to national developments.

Agreed Syllabus Conference

The Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) was scheduled to receive a detailed update from the Lead Officer regarding the statutory review of the Newham Religious Education Agreed Syllabus. Members were to be advised that the current syllabus requires review by June 2027 and that Newham had agreed to undertake a light-touch review. Progress was expected to be on schedule, with a consultation planned with representatives of major faith traditions and non-religious worldviews. The ASC was reminded that the Agreed Syllabus is a statutory document subject to legal review. An update on the work of the practitioner working group, comprising fourteen primary and secondary teachers, was also scheduled. Particular discussion was anticipated regarding funding challenges, with £10,000 allocated for the current financial year, though further funding was noted as required for curriculum redevelopment, resource production, quality assurance, and implementation support. Members were to agree that investment in centrally produced curriculum resources represented strong value for money. The ASC was expected to resolve that officers prepare a business case to support future funding discussions and that the final draft Agreed Syllabus be presented in December prior to submission to Cabinet for approval.

Any Other Business

Under Any Other Business, members were expected to welcome Newham SACRE's reputation as one of the most diverse SACREs nationally and thank the Lead Officer for her contributions. The Chair was to advise that a period of reflection by all faiths would be offered prior to Full Council meetings.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was to be circulated by Democratic Services. The Chair expressed a preference for future meetings to be held in person, where possible, hosted by places of worship across the borough.

The meeting was scheduled to conclude at 7:11 p.m. on Wednesday 30 September 2026. The information available does not confirm whether the meeting was held or what was actually discussed or decided.