NASACRE Notes for APPG Presentation NASACRE: exists to strengthen - PDF document

NASACRE Notes for APPG Presentation NASACRE: • � exists to strengthen local SACREs and to support them in carrying out all their responsibilities • � stands for the value of RE w ithin the w hole school curriculum by supporting RE, w hich is determined locally • � considers that the w ork of SACREs and the Agreed Syllabus Conferences should involve genuine consultation at the local level w ith faith communities and teachers • � seeks to maintain and develop lines of communication w ith the DfE and other relevant bodies • � seeks to promote inter-faith understanding and sensitivity • � seeks to strengthen RE by promoting the key role of w ell-qualified teachers and advisers in all areas and facets of the subject • � seeks to promote professional development in RE through initial teacher training and in-service training • � campaigns for adequate levels of resourcing to achieve these aims • � intends to play a key role in any future debates about the place of RE (and Collective Worship) in schools. But NASACRE is aware that its individual member SACREs are now facing a series of challenges which make it increasingly difficult to fulfil these aims: • � Local Authorities have cut SACRE budgets • � specialist support for SACREs from RE Advisers and Consultants has been substantially reduced • � opportunities offering Continuing Professional Development for teachers in RE have diminished • � Initial Teacher Training in RE has become increasingly marginalised • � the DfE has reiterated the statutory nature of RE but this message has not been understood by many schools • � the introduction of new categories of schools has not taken full account of legislation in relation to RE and there has been a lack of clarity about w hat is required, particularly for Academies However, NASACRE and its individual member SACREs are continuing to offer support to the schools they serve in a variety of ways:

• � offering guidance, including a handbook and training materials, for SACRE members (particularly those w ho are new to the role) • � disseminating and sharing examples of good practice across member SACREs • � encouraging and enabling SACREs to reflect on their w ork through the use of a self-evaluation tool • � answ ering questions submitted by SACREs and/or individual members and responding to their concerns • � providing briefing statements about matters of RE policy • � creating a leaflet to encourage schools w hich have become Academies to continue using their locally agreed syllabus for RE • � organising an annual national conference w ith speakers renow ned in their field. NASACRE believes that while RE remains locally determined, SACREs offer schools: • � an important local dimension to a subject w hich children and young people encounter on different w ays in different parts of the country • � vital links w ith all the key stakeholders in the subject (through the four groups w hich form a SACRE) • � a productive w orking relationship w ith local religious and other groups w hich are a model of excellent interfaith cooperation • � experience in dealing w ith complex issues relating to the faith and identity of children and young people at a local level • � support in handling Freedom of Information requests about sensitive matters focusing on religion and belief • � know ledge and skill in responding to applications for determinations and so protecting and supporting schools in providing appropriate Collective Worship for their pupils w hich takes into account local needs • � advice on provision for RE w hich ensures that it is non-confessional in community schools, a model w hich is admired by other countries across Europe and beyond. NASACRE is preparing to play a continuing and vibrant role within the changing educational landscape: • � w e are developing regional conferences and support groups (anticipating the future need for SACREs to rely on and support themselves rather than expect this from LAs) • � w e are offering encouragement to (and support for) those w ith responsibility for RE in academies and free schools as the momentum

behind ‘academisation’ increases (although the DfE has overspent on this by £1b already) • � w e are actively supporting and involved in the current RE Subject Review . In the immediate future, NASACRE is concerned about: • � the statutory role of SACREs • � the future of RE/RS examinations • � the grow ing pressures on w orkforce supply in all schools NASACRE and the individual SACREs it serves welcomes the support of the APPG and looks forward to finding ways forward in which this vital curriculum subject can grow and develop, equipping our children and young people to live in a diverse and challenging world.