The Kent Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to welcome new members and elect a vice-chair, as well as to discuss the Religious Education (RE) advisor's verbal update and Wire Awards. They were also scheduled to discuss the Development Plan 2024-25, feedback from the 2025 NASACRE conference, a school website review update, and the budget update. Finally, they were expected to discuss the Kent Agreed Syllabus Sept 2027.

WIRE Awards

The meeting included discussion of the WIRE Awards, which recognise schools that widen inclusion in religious education.

Two schools, Ditton Infant School and Lady Boswell's Primary School, submitted evidence forms for the award.

Ditton Infant School's submission included evidence of:

• Attendance at an RE conference: Essential RE Knowledge: Islam (The Education People). Zoom – online course. 29.11.2023
• A visit to St Peter's Church Ditton
• A visit from Zahra Ismail, a Muslim member of the teaching community at another local school, who shared her background, family life and stories about her faith with the children.

Lady Boswell's Primary School's submission included evidence of:

• Attendance at a number of courses and training sessions
• A visit to Rochester Cathedral
• A visit from the Rev'd Anne Bourne to talk to year 3 pupils about the Christian religious rite of Baptism.
• A visit to St. Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks, to deepen their understanding of Christian wedding ceremonies.
• A visit to a local mosque
• Entries to the 'Spirited Arts' competition 2024
• Prayer days
• A mosaic based on the school's values created by renowned Mosaic artist Oliver Budd.

RE Advisor Verbal Update

The RE Advisor was scheduled to provide a verbal update, including:

• An interfaith week update, with reference to the Inter Faith Week Consultation Report from The Faith & Belief Forum¹
• An update on the curriculum review and RE's inclusion in a new National Curriculum, with reference to the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report.

Development Plan 2024-25

The meeting was scheduled to include discussion of the Development Plan for 2024-25. The plan's priority objectives are to advise the local authority on RE given in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus², and the management of SACRE.

Key actions within these objectives include:

• Analysing exam results and compiling a written draft report to local and national data.
• Holding three meetings of SACRE per year, plus three meetings of the Chair's pre-briefing meeting.
• Advising the local authority on RE and collective worship matters.
• Continuing with local network groups and holding face-to-face meetings.
• Supporting collective worship in schools and monitoring its provision.
• Monitoring the provision of RE in schools and encouraging teachers to look at the Kelsi website.
• Encouraging schools to take the WIRE award and giving advice.
• Raising the profile and status of Kent SACRE.
• Ensuring the membership of SACRE better reflects the diversity of religions and the teacher community.
• Providing training for SACRE members and encouraging them to attend NASACRE training events.
• Sending a representative to the NASACRE AGM in May.
• Supporting high-quality CPD³.

Budget Update

The meeting was scheduled to include a budget update. The proposed budget for 2025-26 included:

• £1,200 for external consultant hire
• £219.20 for public transport expenses
• £149.78 for mileage expenses
• £79.00 for internal refreshments
• £175.00 for subscription to NASACRE⁴
• £92.47 for subsistence expenses