Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair, Revd Sam Duddles, SACRE Chair (Group B), welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.

The Chair, Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) read the moment of reflection which had been written by some of the City of Portsmouth College students which considered what they liked and disliked about Portsmouth.

Apologies had been received from: Geoff Wheeler, Baptist and Pastor Chris Thomas, Evangelical Church and Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Islam (Group A); and Zoe Killick, Primary Headteacher Representative, James Newsam, Primary School Representative, Kari Laing, Post-16 representative and Beth Smith, Secondary School (Group C). 

There were none.

The SACRE is asked to:

a)    Agree the draft minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2024.

b)    Discuss any matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

The SACRE:

a)    Agreed the draft minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2024.

b)    Discussed the following matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

Minute No 25 - SACRE Constitution

Members noted that the revised constitution was approved at the previous SACRE meeting (see also Minute 39 below). 

Purpose

This report updates SACRE regarding its membership, training and other opportunities for the membership.

RECOMMENDED that SACRE:

a)      Notes the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to appointing additional members.

b)     Notes the appointment of Captain Sarah Listers (Salvation Army) to Group A and James Newsam (St Swithun's Catholic Primary School) to Group C.

c)      Notes that the SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions (set out in Appendix A to this report) and that it is good practice for members to take advantage of training opportunities when possible.

Chris May, Professional Advisor, introduced the report and reminded members that it provides an update about the SACRE membership and training opportunities for the membership.

He reported that Justine Ball, Professional Advisor had asked her contact on the Isle of Wight whether they know someone who might like to represent the Baha'i Faith on the SACRE group. Chris May noted that they are hoping to find someone on the mainland.   In theory a member could join online but it would depend on the meeting venue and its access to the internet and so could pose technical difficulties.

Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) stated that she had spoken to someone in the Catholic Church at an interfaith meeting and Bishop Jonathan, Church of England who might be able to find a representative to join SACRE.

Members discussed the need for a Hindu representative.  It was noted that the Hindu community are actively seeking a permanent local place of worship, as they are currently using a range of community venues or travelling further afield to London, Havant and Southampton.

RESOLVED that SACRE:

a)    Noted the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to appointing additional members.

b)    Noted the appointment of Captain Sarah Ilsters (Salvation Army) to Group A and James Newsam (St Swithun's Catholic Primary School) to Group C.

c)    Noted that the SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions (set out in Appendix B to this report) and that members should take advantage of training opportunities.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide a rationale for adopting a three-year action plan and to provide a draft version for SACRE to consider.

RECOMMENDED - that the SACRE adopts the three-year action plan.

Chris May, Professional Adviser, informed members that it is good practice for SACREs to have a three-year action plan.  This had been discussed at the Monitoring Group meeting in October, and in consultation with members of the Sub-Group, this draft three-year plan has been developed.  The report provides a rationale for adopting a three-year action plan and provides a draft version for SACRE to consider.

It will be for SACRE to decide on how the rating is set. It is a living document and therefore can be amended over time.

In response to a question, Debbie Anderson informed the group that 17 of the Portsmouth schools are local authority-maintained schools (16 primary schools and 1 secondary school). 

The members took a moment to consider the document and considered the process outlined for review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus:

1.    A meeting is held to mark the start of the process. This is to convene the Agreed Syllabus Conference

2.    The review is carried out.

3.    It is adopted formally at a Agreed Syllabus Conference meeting which comprises members of the SACRE which closes the review.

The SACRE agreed to add the following sentences to the plan:

·       Review the policy and procedures.

·       Section 2 Review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Complete the process.

RESOLVED that the deadline for further comments be sent to Chris May by 31 December to be collated ready to be considered by the monitoring group.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to inform SACRE of the findings and discussions that took place during the meeting of the SACRE Monitoring Group on 9 October 2024.

The group received updates on professional RE education and monitoring the effectiveness of RE and an update on implementation of Living Difference IV, including training in RE, was received.  The Annual report was also discussed.

RECOMMENDED - that the SACRE notes the findings of the Monitoring Group meeting.

Chris May, Professional Advisor, explained that at the SACRE Monitoring Group meeting on 9 October 2024, the Group received updates on professional RE education and monitoring the effectiveness of RE and an update on implementation of Living Difference IV, including training in RE, was received. The Annual report was also discussed.

The Hampshire & Wessex annual cross-phase conference on 6 March 2025 will likely be held in the Winchester area. Portsmouth representatives are encouraged to attend and regularly do.

During discussion, the following points were raised and clarified:

·       There are currently no known vacancies for RE teachers.  Members discussed the implications of this, and Chris May commented that this should be viewed as a positive factor.

·       In primary schools, one teacher covers all the curriculum but there is a lead for each subject.  These schools have taken up the support that has been offered and the training sessions have been well-attended.

·       No requests for support have been declined which shows that the cost is not prohibitive.  There are funding challenges across the education landscape locally and nationally.  The reintroduction of bursaries is very positive.

The Chair was pleased to note that this shows that teachers who need the support are accessing it.

RESOLVED - that the SACRE noted the findings of the Monitoring Group meeting.

Purpose

The Portsmouth SACRE adopted its Code of Conduct in March 2023.  The Code of Conduct is based on the NASACRE exemplar and agreement is sought for SACRE members to agree to its principles for a further academic year.

RECOMMENDED that:

a)    SACRE members individually and collectively endorse the Code of Conduct and the principles it espouses for the next 12 months.

b)    That the Code of Conduct is considered again at the first SACRE meeting of the 2024-25 academic year.

Chris May, Professional Advisor, introduced the report.  The Portsmouth SACRE adopted its Code of Conduct in March 2023 and agreement is sought for SACRE members to agree to its principles for a further academic year.  No changes were made because it had only been recently formulated.

Michael Zeffertt (Group A) requested clarification on the distinction and nature of visits identified in the document, for example, visiting as a representative of SACRE or visiting as a faith representative.  He also considered some of the wording relating to these visits.

The Chair noted the difference between going into a school as a SACRE member representing an inter-faith group and a visit as a faith leader in the city. 

RESOLVED that:

a)        SACRE members individually and collectively endorse the Code of Conduct and the principles it espouses for the next 12 months subject to the two amendments on page 2:

Visiting Schools.

Fourth bullet point to read:

Avoid being critical of any views that are different from one's own or imposing their own views.

Fifth bullet point:

[…] the LA and RE professional […].

b)     That the Code of Conduct is considered again at the first SACRE meeting of the 2024-25 academic year.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to enable SACRE to consider key national and local RE developments.

RECOMMENDED - that the SACRE notes the report.

Chris May, Professional Adviser introduced the report and added the following updates:

He thanked Michael Zeffertt (Group A) for highlighting an issue in an AQA GCSE textbook.  It is out of print but potentially still in circulation, so the professional advisors will continue to inform and advise schools to ensure that is not used.

The Department for Education has put out a call for evidence to all SACREs for the Curriculum and Assessment Review which the Department for Education is currently undertaking.  Justine Ball and Chris May have set up an online meeting on 19 November 4-5pm to update SACRE on this and gather their views which will support the response given by NASACRE.  Members from Portsmouth SACRE along with those from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight SACRE’s will be invited because the same syllabus is used across the three areas.  Feedback will be collated and sent through.  He asked that should there be a particular reason that this date and time would disadvantage a certain group and prevent their representative from attending, please let him know.  No objections to the date were raised.

Members can also send their comments to Chris May if they wish to contribute but are unable to attend the meeting.  Further joining instructions will be sent out soon.

This may well change the education landscape.  At a recent RE Council meeting, it was confirmed that RE will be considered as part of the review.

Captain Ilsters (Group A) reported that schools had really appreciated the list of speakers provided by the RE Hubs initiative.

The Chair informed the group that she had attended an interfaith meeting on 3 November in the Lord Mayor's Banqueting Suite chaired by the Leader of the City Council.  It was very positive with a focus on the way forward for interfaith work in the city and many good questions were raised.  The RE hub was mentioned and many interfaith leaders had signed up for training.  A steering group will be set up to look at future interfaith events. 

RESOLVED - to note the report. 

Purpose

This report provides the SACRE with an opportunity to agree its Annual Report for the academic year 2023-24.

RECOMMENDED that SACRE:

a)    Adopts the SACRE Annual Report 2023-24.

b)    Recommends that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2023-24 by 31 December 2024.

c)    Makes a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.

The Chair asked that their thanks be given to all the contributors and Karen Martin, the clerk. 

Chris May, Professional Adviser, informed the SACRE that its Annual Report for the academic year 2023-24 has been prepared and had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.  He explained that following the endorsement of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at her meeting on 3 December 2024, it will be circulated to the DfE, NASACRE, the Director of Children's Services in Portsmouth and others.  It will also be made available on the SACRE page of the Portsmouth Council website. 

RESOLVED that SACRE:

a)    Adopted the SACRE Annual Report 2023-24.

b)    Recommended that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2023-24 by 31 December 2024.

c)    Now makes a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.

Purpose

The draft SACRE Constitution, which it considered at its meeting on 12 June 2024, has been reviewed and agreed the Council's legal team.  Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, will consider the draft Constitution at her meeting on 30 October 2024.  See Agenda for Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on Wednesday, 30th October, 2024, 4.00 pm Portsmouth City Council

RECOMMENDED to note that:

a)    Subject to the approval of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on 30 October 2024 the SACRE Constitution will take immediate effect.

b)    The agreed SACRE Constitution will be made available on the website at Committee details - Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Portsmouth City Council

Members noted that this item had been discussed under matters arising earlier in the meeting.

RESOLVED to note that:

a)    The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education approved the SACRE Constitution at her decision meeting on 30 October 2024 and the agreed SACRE Constitution will take immediate effect.

b)    The agreed SACRE Constitution will now be made available on the website at Committee details - Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Portsmouth City Council.

Purpose

At its meeting on 12 June 2023, the Portsmouth SACRE agreed to pay reasonable allowances from the SACRE’s delegated budget from Portsmouth City Council to cover any costs that SACRE members incur through carrying out their duties. By adopting this policy, the SACRE aimed to ensure that no member of the community is prevented from becoming a member of the Portsmouth SACRE on the grounds of cost.  The attached Policy and Procedures, with minor proposed revisions in red typeface, set out the terms on which such allowances will be paid.

RECOMMENDED:

a)    To agree the SACRE Allowances Policy and Procedures dated November 2024.

b)    To agree to review the SACRE Allowances Policy and Procedures at its meeting to be held in the Summer term of 2027 to take effect from 1 September 2027.

Chris May, Professional Adviser and Debbie Anderson, Head of School Improvement, explained that at its meeting on 12 June 2023, the Portsmouth SACRE agreed to pay reasonable allowances from the SACRE’s delegated budget from Portsmouth City Council to cover any costs that SACRE members incur through carrying out their duties. By adopting this policy, the SACRE aimed to ensure that no member of the community is prevented from becoming a member of the Portsmouth SACRE on the grounds of cost.  The attached Policy and Procedures, with minor proposed revisions in red typeface, set out the terms on which such allowances will be paid.  The revisions have been made to give the Policy and Procedure some longevity and so that it does not need to be revisited by the SACRE annually. 

RESOLVED:

a)       To agree the SACRE Allowances Policy and Procedures dated November 2024.

b)       To agree to review the SACRE Allowances Policy and Procedures at its meeting to be held in the Summer term of 2027 to take effect from 1 September 2027.

The next meeting will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at Eastney Evangelical Church, 21 Eastney Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9JA

Future dates:

Wednesday 2 July 2025 at St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Bourne Road, Portsmouth PO6 4JD

Wednesday 12 November 2025 at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea PO5 2RG

All meetings will take place at 4.30pm. If no venue is available, meetings will take place remotely on Teams.

Dates for 2025-26 will be provided for consideration at the next SACRE meeting.

RESOLVED to note:

a)    The next meeting will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at Eastney Evangelical Church, 21 Eastney Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9JA

b)    It also noted that future meetings will take place on the following dates and venues for the next 12 months have been arranged:

·       Wednesday 2 July 2025 at St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Bourne Road, Portsmouth PO6 4JD

·       Wednesday 12 November 2025 at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea PO5 2RG

c)    Dates for 2025-26 will be provided at the next SACRE meeting following consultation with the Professional Adviser.