The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of West Sussex Council met to discuss updates on the Agreed Syllabus, the draft Annual Report for 2023/24, and the Development Plan for 2024-2026. Key decisions included the approval of the draft Annual Report, subject to amendments, and the establishment of an Agreed Syllabus Working Group.

Agreed Syllabus Update

Mrs Hammond reported that the Working Group reviewed questionnaires sent to headteachers regarding Religious Education (RE) provision. Out of 228 primary and 38 secondary schools, 54 primary and 12 secondary schools responded. While responses were positive, the low response rate hindered effective monitoring and evaluation. Mrs Hammond noted a knowledge gap in schools' understanding of Collective Worship and legal requirements, highlighting the need for training. She also mentioned that Church of England and Catholic schools are performing well.

The updated Agreed Syllabus is now scheduled to be launched by April 2026, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A timeline will be agreed upon before the next SACRE meeting on 10 June. Mrs Hammond also updated members on the progress of issuing West Sussex SACRE-themed newsletters to schools and the need to produce a booklet of resources for world faiths and religious groups. An Agreed Syllabus Working Group was established with volunteers including Jo Beer, Rosemary Black, Philippa Elliott, Revd Chrissie Millwood, Andrew Simpson, and Grace Waker.

Draft Annual Report 2023/24

Mrs Hammond invited feedback on the draft Annual Report. Members requested the inclusion of the number of pupils in each school in the questionnaire table. They acknowledged the good working links SACRE has developed with NASACRE and its training offerings. There was a suggestion to make the questionnaires sent to headteachers compulsory to complete and an agreement that SACRE's legal responsibilities should be communicated to raise its profile. An introductory meeting with the new Assistant Director has been arranged for 23 May.

Development Plan 2024-2026

Mrs Hammond invited feedback on the Development Plan by 22 April 2024. She acknowledged that a section on RE and World Views is to be added to the Plan.

Review of the Terms of Reference

The review of the Terms of Reference was deferred to the next meeting on 10 June 2024. Mrs Hammond clarified the process for the teacher representative and union election and will review the Committee C (Teachers) representation on SACRE.

Dates of Future Meetings

The next SACRE meeting will be held on 10 June 2024 at County Hall, Chichester, with a hybrid option available. A new meeting date for March 2025 will be confirmed and communicated in due course.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of Previous Meeting and the Public reports pack.