The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) of Hampshire County Council met to discuss several key issues, including the activities of the Monitoring Group, national and local RE matters, and a review of their three-year action plan. Decisions were made to note the reports presented and to suggest amendments to the action plan for further review.

Monitoring Group

The council received a report from the Director of Children’s Services on the activities of the Monitoring Group, which met on 23 January 2024. The Monitoring Group is responsible for overseeing the effectiveness of the locally agreed syllabus. Key areas discussed included professional education opportunities, SACRE monitoring visits, Ofsted visit reports, information from other inspector/advisor visits, teacher vacancies, initial teacher education (ITE) provision, and preliminary GCSE results.

A significant concern was raised regarding the widening attainment gap for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students. Officers committed to sharing best practices and investigating whether this trend is observed in neighbouring areas. Members were encouraged to undertake more monitoring visits to better understand classroom religious education.

The council resolved to note the Monitoring Group report.

Key National and Local RE Matters

The council reviewed a report from the Director of Children’s Services on key national and local religious education (RE) matters. The report highlighted initiatives funded by the Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, the largest grant-giving body supporting RE. An update was provided on the National RE Hubs Project, which aims to create a central resource website for local authorities, universities, SACREs, museums, ITT providers, RE groups, and advisors across England and Wales.

Positive comments from Ofsted reports about RE in Hampshire schools were noted, contrasting with the national picture where RE quality is generally poor. The Ofsted Annual Report for 2022/23 and the forthcoming Ofsted subject report on RE were discussed.

The council resolved to note the report on key national and local RE matters.

Review of Three Year Action Plan

The council reviewed their current three-year action plan, which outlines actions necessary to meet SACRE’s statutory function and promote effective RE teaching, particularly the Living Difference IV Syllabus. The plan was discussed in detail within SACRE’s four component groups, leading to several suggested amendments:

• 1.2: Emphasize the importance of diversity in SACRE’s Group A.
• 2: Include information on how homeschooled children can access the RE Moodle and RE Centre.
• 2.6: Clarify the types of data available.
• 5.1: Mention RE Centres and resources, and expand on advertising these resources and publications.
• 6.2: Reestablish the Annual Summer Youth Voice Conference before termly Youth Voice meetings, and review the method of holding these meetings.

The council resolved to discuss and suggest amendments to the Three Year Action Plan, which will be presented at the next meeting for approval.