Agenda and draft minutes

18.1     The Chairman welcomed all members of SACRE to the hybrid meeting being held in Committee Room 3 and via Microsoft Teams.

Members are asked to note the following changes to SACRE’s membership:

·       Mr Toby Wilsher (Humanist) has joined Committee A as a new representative.

19.1     Members of the Council noted the changes to the membership listed on the agenda paper.  The Chairman welcomed Mr Wilsher.

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt, contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

20.1     In accordance with the County Council’s Code of Conduct the following declarations were made:

20.2     Cllr Dabell declared a personal interest as his daughter is the headteacher of a junior school in East Grinstead.

20.3     Mrs Smith declared a personal interest as a secondary school teacher under Agenda Items 7 and 8.

SACRE will be shown a video on what it means to be a Sikh and will be joined by a student who will answer questions.

21.1     Mrs Ghundale introduced a video of Sikh students talking about their beliefs and practices, based on the Learning about World Faiths and the Practices of Prayer document prepared by Mrs Jones. SACRE then heard from Mrs Ghundale’s son, a Year 7 Sikh student.

21.2     Members welcomed the video and congratulated the student for his informative speech.  It was agreed to share the video with SACRE and approval was given for its use in schools.

21.3     A member asked whether there had been a difference in experiences and attitudes between primary and secondary school?  The student had not felt there had been any differences and Mrs Ghundale highlighted that she had been involved as a school governor supporting the curriculum in schools and she advised other parents to actively get involved. 

21.4     Members acknowledged that youth engagement in religion, beyond entertainment events, was declining across many faiths.  Mrs Ghundale said that the Sikh faith preferred people to find out about their ways for themselves rather than pushing views onto people.

21.5     The importance of places of worship was acknowledged and it was highlighted that there was only one Gurdwara for both East and West Sussex.  This meant a strategy needed developing for arrangements for schools to visit.

21.6     Following the comments in the video and speech about the frustration at the incorrect pronunciations of words related to the Sikh faith, a member suggested that a glossary of pronunciation could be included at the back of the Agreed Syllabus document.  Consideration could also be given to online sites offering support around pronunciation.

21.7     Members acknowledged that there was a lack of engagement in other faiths in some rural schools and it was agreed SACRE needed to address this and consider how to engage with them.  It was acknowledged that the annual SACRE Roadshows were of great value to teachers, and it was planned for the 2025 Roadshows to be in different locations to previously, to encourage other teachers to attend.  Mrs Hammond reiterated that it was extremely important for all SACRE representatives to support the Roadshows by running stands on their faith, having resources available and be available to answer questions raised by teachers.

21.8     Mrs Hammond highlighted that the action in the Development Plan to update resources lists had slipped and encouraged any members who had not responded to review it and respond back to her as soon as possible.

21.9     Rabbi Zanardo agreed to arrange for some Jewish students to attend the next session at the SACRE meeting on 9 June 2025.

21.10  The Chairman thanked Mrs Ghundale and her son for the video, speech and for answering questions.  SACRE agreed that it had been very informative and had enriched their learning.

Members to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2024 as a correct record.

22.1     Updates were given as follows:

22.2     Minute 12.6: Mrs Hammond said the suggestion for questions on faith in school to be included in the prompt sheet can be discussed.

22.3     Minute 13.2: Mrs Hammond reported that the Working Group had agreed that the SACRE-branded newsletter should be launched at the same time as the Agreed Syllabus launch.

22.4     Minute 13.3: Work was still in progress to meet with Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs).

22.5     Minute 13.4: Work to find a MAT volunteer was still underway.  There seemed to be a lack of understanding amongst teachers about the role of SACRE.  Mrs Hammond reported that information had previously been sent to schools and governors but that it may need to be circulated annually.  A suggestion was made that a SACRE representative should speak to the Teachers’ Panel and Mrs Hayes responded that might be possible.

22.6     Minute 14.8: Mrs Hayes confirmed she had written to schools thanking them for allowing teacher involvement and the value of their contribution.

22.7     Minute 15.3: Mrs Hammond confirmed that one Roadshow would be held in Holy Trinity School and that the southern venue was still under negotiation.  Confirmed dates would be circulated as soon as they are available to all members of SACRE.

22.8     Minute 15.6: Name to be corrected to Bradberry.

22.9     Resolved – That, subject to the minor change referenced in Minute 22.8 above, the minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2024 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

Claire Hayes, Assistant Director, to provide a verbal update to SACRE.

23.1     Mrs Hayes updated SACRE on changes within the Local Education Authority with the upcoming retirement of the Director of Law, Assurance and Insight, and the Director of Place Services.

23.2     The Interim Executive Director of Children, Young People and Learning, Vince Clark, would be remaining until at least September 2025 whilst recruitment was undertaken.  Additionally, the Head of SEND and Inclusion had given notice of intention to retire and interviews for a replacement were imminent.

23.3     The Government’s acceptance of devolution to a Strategic Mayoral Authority and the Local Government Reorganisation meant that lots of work was underway in the county.  The Chairman highlighted that these changes could have implications for the future operation of SACRE, depending on whether there is one new unitary authority in West Sussex or more.  A member updated that some devolved authorities had chosen to have a combined body but others did not.

23.4     The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill had been shared by the Government and looked to bring together education and social care, something that was already being worked on in West Sussex County Council, a requirement for more scrutiny around children being home educated and the Virtual School.  The Department were looking forward to more detail on the Bill.

23.5     Mrs Hayes had asked Mrs Furse to attend SACRE going forward to link the work of SACRE with the School Improvement Team. 

23.6     A member expressed concern about the opportunities for teaching staff to be released for SACRE and working parties when no funding was provided.  Mrs Hayes reported that there was an allotted amount of facilities time, and this had been discussed at Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).  It was raised that the facility pot for union representatives was different and Mrs Hayes agreed to have a look into that area.

The report informs SACRE of the data on examination results for West Sussex from Summer 2024.

SACRE is asked to note the report.

24.1     Mrs Hammond introduced the item thanking Mrs Hayes and Mrs Furse and their teams for the information provided on public examination results for 2024.  A detailed analysis of the information was included in the draft Annual Report under Agenda Item 11.  SACRE were asked to acknowledge they have seen the results and make any comments.

24.2     It was confirmed that the table included schools where Religious Education GCSE full course examinations were taken, but that schools taking the RE short course or not taking the GCSEs were not included.  Mrs Furse explained that some schools used the English Baccalaureate (EBACC) system which focussed on history and geography rather than religious education. 

24.3     It was also noted that not all West Sussex schools would have used the system for data collection by the collection date.  A member suggested final data would be helpful with some comparison to results in previous years.  Mrs Furse agreed to investigate producing this information.

24.4     SACRE were advised that for RE GCSE there is one paper on Christianity and a second on other world faiths with five nominated faiths being covered.

24.5     Resolved – That SACRE notes the report on results in public examinations.

SACRE is asked to review and agree the revised Terms of Reference in advance of the membership refresh.

25.1     Mrs Hammond introduced the revised Terms of Reference that she had updated alongside the Executive Director of Law, Assurance and Insight and Democratic Services Senior Advisor, Mrs De La Mora. Research of the Terms of Reference of other SACREs was undertaken.  Once SACRE has agreed the Terms of Reference they will be reviewed by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills before publishing and including in the West Sussex County Council Constitution.

25.2     Members discussed point 5.6 which implied a 12-year time limit to membership.  Some members felt 12 years was too long a period, and that SACRE needs regular changes with new members and ideas. Others acknowledged how difficult it was to get volunteers to join the SACRE and would not want to lose the experience of longer serving members.  Members were reminded that SACRE is a public meeting, and anyone can attend a meeting to watch the proceedings and gain a greater understanding of the work being undertaken.  Members agreed there should be reference to members being able to return to SACRE after a break and acknowledgement that a member could continue whilst an alternative member was being sought. 

25.3     Resolved – That SACRE agrees the revised Terms of Reference subject to amendment to point 5.6 which would be agreed virtually by SACRE.

SACRE is asked to consider the draft Code of Conduct/Practice shared by NASACRE (National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education).

26.1     Mrs Hammond introduced the draft Code of Conduct which had been based on a document produced by the National Association of SACREs (NASACRE).  It was hoped that if this was agreed it would become part of the membership requirements of SACRE along with the Terms of Reference.

26.2     A request to have Sussex added to the first line of text after West, replace “pupils” with “students” on all occasions, and under Visiting Schools expand the wording to “Only visit a school when an invitation has been agreed” was agreed by SACRE.

26.3     It was acknowledged that all new SACRE members receive an induction session with Mrs Hammond, and update sessions are held mid-term for longer-term members.

26.4     Resolved – That the SACRE agrees to the adoption of the Code of Conduct subject to the amendments suggested in paragraph 26.2.

Karen Hammond, External Advisor, will provide a verbal update on progress made on issues raised at previous meetings.

27.1     Mrs Hammond updated on the progress of the Working Group which had met on 11 December 2024 and 28 January 2025.

27.2     Mrs Hammond had visited Holy Trinity School to look at RE provision and practice. This had proved to be extremely useful and informative.  Some members of the RE Department would be involved in writing materials for secondary school teachers.

27.3     The Working Group had agreed to have a version of the Agreed Syllabus ready by the end of November 2025 for proof reading prior to printing.  Members were doing a lot of work in their own time and SACRE owes them a huge thanks.  An Early Years specialist is needed, and Mrs Furse agreed to give this some consideration.

27.4     Mrs Hammond read from a NASACRE report which supports the draft proposals for a National Curriculum Review, but highlights more work might be needed.  Mrs Hammond highlighted that if RE were to become a National Curriculum subject there may not be a need for SACREs.

27.5     NASACRE were encouraging those who go into schools to become a representative on the RE Hub Scheme.  Mrs Ghundale had done this and had become an accredited member.  Others were encouraged to consider this.  Mrs Hammond to circulate some information on this.

27.6     Resolved – That SACRE notes the update.

SACRE is asked to approve the Annual Report prepared by Karen Hammond.

28.1     Resolved – That the SACRE welcomes the work undertaken on the Annual Report and agrees its approval.

SACRE is asked to note the report.

29.1     Mrs Hammond introduced the Workforce Data Census which had been produced externally and needed to be treated with caution as schools did not always provide the data correctly or at all. 

29.2     It was agreed it was helpful to see the amount of teaching hours compared to the recommendation by SACRE. 

29.3     Resolved – That the SACRE notes the information in the Workforce Data Census.

Future meeting dates are: 9 June 2025, 17 November 2025 and 9 March 2026.

30.1     SACRE noted that the next meeting would be held on 9 June 2025 at County Hall, Chichester, with the hybrid option for joining being available to those who require it.