Council and councillors

Action 1

Daniel informed attendees that the Diocese had confirmed that there was currently no mechanism in place to record the quality of RE in Schools. However, Rutland Head Teachers were due to meet together with the Diocese to see how information could be collated, possibly through a self-audit.  It was agreed that Daniel would give an update at the November SACRE meeting with the action plan to be completed for the January meeting.

Daniel had gone through all recent inspection reports and compiled any comments regarding the teaching of RE and the overall inspection grade – data from Daniel (copy attached).  It was agreed that Daniel would distribute a short self-evaluation questionnaire for headteachers to complete regarding the quality of RE teaching in Rutland schools.

ACTION: Daniel Alfieri

Action 2

Shelia informed the group that central government was updating the White Paper after Academies had originally been told they did not need to follow an RE Syllabus when they should in fact follow the same guidelines as community schools. Update to be given at the November meeting.

It was reported that no update on the White Paper had been received from central government but that an update would be given to all members when it was.

Action 3

New RE Legislation in Wales - Amanda to circulate a briefing to members on the new no ‘opt-out’ for religious education in Wales.  

Action outstanding.  Amanda to circulate and collate comments for November SACRE meeting.

Members were informed that an email had been sent on the 7^th September 2022 with a statement attached regarding the new rules for religious education in Wales.

Action 4

The final Agreed Syllabus 2023-28 would be discussed/approved by Rutland’s Cabinet on the 7th March 2023 and it was agreed that Gill Curtis, Head of Learning and Skills would brief Councillor David Wilby, Portfolio Holder for Education and Children’s Services prior to the meeting.

Action noted and would be completed nearer the Cabinet meeting in March 2023.

Action 5

The Chair requested that the Agreed Syllabus 2023-28, the communication plan and a draft copy of the Cabinet report be ready for review at the November SACRE meeting. Revd James McWhirter also requested that a brief overview be provided.

It was noted that a meeting to approve the final draft of the agreed syllabus and the communication plan would be held on Thursday, 1^st December to further discussed.

Action 6

Councillor Powell stated that a clear briefing would be required for when the Agreed Syllabus was discussed at Cabinet in March 2023 and queried when the report would go to Council.  Jane said she would check and notify members.

It was confirmed that an email had been sent to all members on the 16^th September informing them that the SACRE Agreed Syllabus would be discussed/approved at RCC’s Cabinet meeting on the 7^th March 2023.

Action 7

·       It was agreed that Lizzie would arrange for a letter of congratulation be sent to schools regarding the exam results on behalf of the Rutland SACRE.

·       It was agreed that Lizzie would contact schools to find out how many of the RE teachers were subject specialists.

·       It was agreed that Lizzie would create a comparison table between Rutland and its statistical neighbours detailing the number of pupils studying RE.

It was confirmed that a letter had been drafted and that the Chair would have final approval before it was sent to schools.

It was noted that all the RE teachers had confirmed they were subject specialists.

It was confirmed that a comparison table had been completed and this would be circulated to members for their information.

Action 8

Members agreed that they would feedback any comments regarding the Draft Annual Report to Governance ready for the November meeting to be approved. All comments to be sent to governance@rutland.gov.uk  

It was agreed that the draft Annual Report would be re-sent for members’ comments.

Action 9

The Chair requested that all details regarding public media and websites be listed in the Agreed Syllabus communications plan.

It was confirmed that the communications plan would contain the details requested by the group.