Archived decisions

Contact: Clive Erricker - County Inspector - RE (02392 441459)

1. Summary

1.1 Ofsted published a report on 26 November 2004 based on evaluating the work of 19 SACREs in England and Wales (Appendix 1). The report presented the following findings:

1.2 that local education syllabuses for Religious Education vary in quality and are insufficiently focused on raising achievement in RE and improving the quality of teaching and learning

1.3 that some SACREs are becoming actively involved in the provision of support for RE and collective worship and are playing a wider role in supporting social inclusion

1.4 that in the most effective partnerships SACRE is fully integrated into the LEA's professional Structure

1.5 that the strength of SACREs lies in their multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural composition and that several are now developing a role as an advisory group to the LEA in this respect

1.6 that SACREs should start to use the new non-statutory framework for RE to ensure less variation and more consistency in standards in RE

2. Ofsted recommendations

2.1 that SACREs work is included in the LEA development plan

2.1 that the impact of the agreed syllabus is kept under review

2.2 that priorities be improving RE and collective worship

2.3 that collaboration with other SACREs be undertaken

Recommendation

That SACRE note the report and include discussion of its findings and recommendations within its 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.