The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Wednesday 22 October 2025 to discuss updates on interfaith initiatives, national RE developments, and the council's priorities for the upcoming academic year. Key discussions included the NASACRE/Westhill grant update, plans for Inter Faith Week 2025, and the Camden RE Newsletter and Networks.

Faith Forum Update

The Camden Faith Forum provided an update on its activities, including interfaith coffee mornings and events. Plans for 2025/26 collaboration with Camden SACRE were also discussed, with a particular focus on Junior RE Conferences. Members were invited to provide feedback on how SACRE could further support and strengthen its partnership work with the Faith Forum.

Collective Worship in Camden

The council reviewed the guidance on collective worship for non-denominational schools in Camden. Members were asked to reflect on the current advice and consider any additional support SACRE could offer to promote effective collective worship in schools. Appendix 1, Collective Worship for Non-Denominational Schools in Camden, was presented, offering practical advice on planning inclusive worship and guidance on applying for or reviewing a Determination.

National Association of SACRE (NASACRE) Updates

An update was provided on opportunities for Camden SACRE members to engage with national training and information concerning Religious Education and Collective Worship. This included details of the NASACRE online webinar programme for 2025/26 and the NASACRE Annual Conference 2026, scheduled to be held in Liverpool. Members were encouraged to provide feedback on how SACRE could enhance its knowledge of national issues and developments.

Interfaith Week Update

An update was given on Inter Faith Week 2025, which was scheduled to take place from 9 to 16 November 2025. The council considered how it could highlight and encourage schools across Camden to participate in the week's activities. Appendix 1, Celebrating Inter Faith Week in Schools, provided background information and national context on the event, including its aims, theme, and ways SACREs can support engagement.

NASACRE/Westhill Grant Update

Camden's success in securing the NASACRE/Westhill grant for 2025/26 and 2026/27 was discussed. The RE Adviser outlined the developing plans with schools, the Local Authority, and Camden Learning. Members were invited to provide feedback on how Camden SACRE could become involved in the project, which aims to support both primary and secondary schools.

Camden SACRE Priorities 2025-26

The council reviewed Camden SACRE's priorities for the 2025–26 academic year, as detailed in Appendix 1. This document, which is a live working document, outlines the proposed programme of work, associated timescales, expected outcomes, and resource implications. Members were asked to provide feedback on how they could support the identified actions.

Camden Religious Education (RE) Newsletter & Networks

This item provided an update following SACRE's request to share the content of the termly newsletters and meetings held with RE leads in Camden. Details from the Autumn Term 2025 newsletter and the two meetings with Camden schools during the Summer Term 2025 were presented. Appendices included the RE Autumn Term newsletter, and minutes and agenda from the Primary and Secondary RE Network Meetings.