Archived decisions

Contact: Judith Lowndes - General Inspector - Religious Education (02392 441518)

1. Summary

1.1 The monitoring sub group meets regularly (usually termly) to scrutinise Ofsted reports in order to monitor the provision of RE in Hampshire schools. During the autumn term GCSE results for RE are also scrutinised and discussed. Schools that have received particularly positive Ofsted reports are sent letters of commendation by the group. Schools with shortcomings in their provision are noted. Attached inspectors of those schools are consulted about the actions the schools are taking in order to improve provision.

1.2 The group met in November. 22 Ofsted reports were scrutinised and discussed. Out of these, 10 schools were sent letters of commendation or encouragement. One school caused concern to the group and the attached inspector will be contacted.

1.3 Replies from attached inspectors of two schools that had been identified with shortcomings in RE during previous meetings, were discussed. The group felt satisfied that those schools were taking appropriate action.

1.4 Subsequent to the meeting of the group a scrutiny of Ofsted reports identified that a significant number of schools do not satisfy statutory requirements for all pupils in RE at Key Stage 4. Ofsted reports do not offer an overall picture of non-compliance at Key Stage 4 because inspections are only carried out in a minority of schools each year. There is some evidence that contact by the County Inspector for RE following an unsatisfactory report can result in schools addressing non-compliance.

2. GCSE results

2.1 The GCSE results for RE short and full course for summer 2004 were shared and discussed.

Recommendation

That SACRE incorporates the monitoring of compliance at Key Stage 4 into its support for schools' self-evaluation.

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.