Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Megan Davis and Mr Andreas Menzies.

We gather together here today intent on doing good work.

We seek to represent fairly and well, those who have given us this task.

May our efforts be blessed with insight, guided by understanding and wisdom.

We seek to serve with respect for all.

May our personal beliefs give us strength to act honestly and well in all matters before us.

The committee undertook a moment for reflection.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Rutland SACRE held on 27 April 2021 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2021 were considered and AGREED as a true record of the proceedings.

It was AGREED that matters arising from the minutes would be addressed during items later on the agenda. 

To receive a verbal report from Cllr Powell and Revd McWhirter.

2021 papers and materials | NASACRE

The Chair and the Revd James McWhirter provided a verbal update following her attendance at the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education Annual Conference.

It was highlighted that there were various national and local public bodies and other sources of authority on the provision of religious education, all of whom were clearly dedicated to working collectively. It was noted that conferences such as NASACRE with up to date presentations and workshops was a useful way of setting the agendas of SACREs.

During subsequent discussions, it was agreed that it was very important that religious education be promoted in order to be equally viewed among other subjects, and conference had provided useful examples of how RE could be bets delivered and promoted. However, it was also noted that it was difficult to articulate the benefits of studying religious education compared to other subjects and the target-based culture in education was a possible factor in the lower take-up of religious education as a subject. 

To receive a progress update from Cllr Powell.

The Chair provided a progress update on the development of an Annual Report for 2020/21. It was suggested and agreed to extend the remit of the current report to end of August, in order for future Annual Reports to be based on the academic year with the aim to provide a clearer image of progression made.

To review the SACRE Development Plan 2020-22.

The Council considered the SACRE Development Plan for 2020-22 and no comments or issues were raised. 

To receive a verbal report from Mrs Fitton on the highlights of the recent Ofsted report.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-publishes-research-review-on-religious-education

Mrs Amanda Fitton, SACRE and Religious Education Advisor, provided a verbal update and presentation on a recent Ofsted research publication regarding the provision religious education. It was highlighted that Ofsted intended to publish a report on the quality of religious education provided in schools, and this would cover both the curriculums and the practical delivery of religious education.

During subsequent discussions it was confirmed that schools were being encouraged to actively review their curriculums in light of the upcoming inspections and Mrs Fitton offered to provide contacts to schools in Rutland who wished to see various ways this was being done in other counties.

To receive an update from Mrs Fitton.

Mrs Amanda Fitton, SACRE and Religious Education Advisor, provided a verbal update on the current training and network meetings taking place.

 It was highlighted that the current training programme in Rutland had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and it was agreed that a resumption of training was a priority. It was also suggested that network meetings had been experiencing low attendance due to fatigue across the sector.

To receive a verbal report from Ms. Papworth, Education Development Lead.

Mrs Elizabeth Papworth, Education Development Lead, provided a verbal update on the monitoring of RE in schools.

Following the previous meeting direct feedback and requests for support had been sought from Rutland’s primary schools and 9 of the 17 had responded with positive responses, including the drawing together of various resources to form the Rutland Leaning Trust. It was highlighted that many schools had faced significant disruptions due to the impact of COVID-19 and variations in class sizes. It was also noted that a local school had expressed an interest in joining SACRE and it was agreed that this would be considered at a future meeting.

      i.         Next steps – introduced by Mrs Fitton

     ii.         Initial discussion on world views  - led by Revd Dr Holmes

Mrs Amanda Fitton, SACRE and Religious Education Advisor, set out the next steps for SACRE regarding the agreed syllabus for religious education from September 2023. Several options for the syllabus were included in the agenda and presented for consideration and it was suggested that Rutland continue to co-operate with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on a syllabus having previously worked together alongside Northamptonshire.

In response to questions, Mrs Fitton confirmed she would be inviting local schools in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to share their opinions on the options at an upcoming network meeting and intended to undertake similar action for Rutland.

Members of the Committee spoke in favour of option 2 based on the lower potential costs in addition to the potential benefits of option 3. It was acknowledged that surveying the needs of local schools and research into the costings and resources required for all options would help the Council come to an evidence-based conclusion on the best way forward.

It was agreed that Mrs Fitton and Mrs Papworth would undertake this work on behalf of the Rutland SACRE alongside partner authorities and an item at a later meeting would enable SACRE to agree a position.

The Revd Peter Holmes then led a discussion on world views having read the book Reforming RE: Power And Knowledge In A Worldviews Curriculum as recommended by Mrs Fitton. Revd Holmes highlighted the Commission on Religious Education’s eight recommendation, that of a legal amendment to SACREs into Local Advisory Networks for Religion and Worldviews, with a more inclusive composition and a wider remit.

Thanks were expressed by the Council to Revd Holmes for his work on the subject matter, it was noted that any changes to the legal requirements for SACRE membership and voting would require primary legislation and therefore Revd Holmes advised Members to remain informed and aware of the views and trends in this area. It was also noted that the provision of religious education was grounded as an academic subject based on empirical evidence and history. It was also put forward that another viewpoint was that religious education might shift towards the teaching of values rather than specific religions.

Mrs Amanda Fitton drew Members attention to a recently circulated government document concerning the recovery of curriculum subjects and particularly the provisions relating to religious attention.

12 October 2021.

The date of the next meeting was noted as Tuesday, 12 October 2021.