The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of Wandsworth Council is scheduled to meet on Monday 2 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on monitoring Religious Education in schools through Ofsted reports, addressing faith-based prejudice in light of updated safeguarding guidance, and reviewing an independent report on antisemitism in schools.

Monitoring Religious Education in Schools

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing the published 2025/26 Ofsted reports for schools in Wandsworth. The reports will be discussed to assess the state of Religious Education (RE) provision across the borough. While most reports focus on pupils' learning around culture and diversity, specific comments relating to RE or pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development are expected to be highlighted. The reports from denominational inspections of Catholic and Church of England schools will also be considered.

Faith-Based Prejudice and Safeguarding

The council is scheduled to discuss changes to the 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (KCSIE) guidance, specifically focusing on faith-based prejudice. The updated guidance, released in September 2026, recognises faith-based prejudice as a safeguarding concern, with increased emphasis on faith-targeted abuse and honour or faith-based abuse, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. The discussion will also cover how schools must not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of religion or belief under the Equality Act 2010 and the need for an inclusive, anti-discriminatory safeguarding culture.

Independent Review on Antisemitism

The council is also set to discuss the recently published Independent Review – Antisemitism in Schools and Colleges in England. This review examines the issue of antisemitism within educational institutions and its implications.

School Faith Trails and Community Engagement

Updates are scheduled on the School Faith Trails initiative, including a discussion on advice from the National Association of SACREs (NASACRE) regarding visits to places of worship. Additionally, the council will review the evaluation of the Community Faith Trail event held in July. This event aimed to engage the community by visiting various places of worship across Tooting and Balham.

National Curriculum Review

The meeting will include an update on the National Curriculum Review. This discussion will encompass correspondence from Christian Concern and NASACRE's response, addressing potential changes to the statutory arrangements for Religious Education and the implications for locally agreed syllabuses.

Other Updates

The council will also receive verbal updates on Faith Direct sessions and a NASACRE session titled 'So, you've joined your local SACRE...'. Finally, future meeting dates for SACRE in 2027 will be noted.