Archived decisions

Contact: Judith Lowndes - General Inspector - RE (02392 441518)

1. Summary

1.1 The monitoring sub group meets three times a year to scrutinise Ofsted reports of religious education in Hampshire schools and GCSE results for RE. The group also identifies common trends in the findings. Schools that have received very positive Ofsted reports are sent letters of commendation from the chair of the sub group on behalf of SACRE. In cases where a report indicates cause for concern the attached inspector of the school is contacted seeking an assurance that the school is taking action to improve provision.

1.2 Ofsted reports from 17 primary phase schools were discussed at the meeting held on 24 November 2003. Three of the schools were sent letters of commendation and two reports caused the group some concerns. There were no reports on secondary schools.

1.3 Members of the group noted that some reports written under the new Ofsted inspection framework (implemented in September 2003) provide insufficient information for the monitoring purposes of the group. Group members suggested that, if the Ofsted reports viewed at the next meeting (22 March 2004) confirm this view, that SACRE authorises the sub group to draft a letter to Ofsted noting the group's concerns.

Recommendation

That SACRE authorises the sub group to draft a letter to Ofsted on behalf of SACRE.

Background Papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB The list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.