Agenda item

For discussion.

Comments from members included:

a)  SACRE and its constitution were determined more than 25 years ago. It is questionable whether the Church of England should have a separate category whilst all other non-Church of England Christians and other faith, non-faith groups have to share a category. Central government revision of these categories would be welcome. It is important that the local constitution aligns with the up-to-date city demographic to properly reflect our communities;

b)  It seems unusual to have a religious education curriculum which all school is must agree when they have a national curriculum for other subjects which they can then interpret. The time of the LA telling schools what to do is long gone, so this committee should be used for the widest possible discussion, not just for religious education, but the broader issues for a city of such diversity, specifically guarding against hate, for which religious education is vitally important;

c)  This SACRE need to focus on community cohesion and how to assist schools;

d)  Members of this forum could decide how active they want to be in the national discussion and dialogue on these issues, particularly if there are members who would be willing to take part in additional work in this area, it would be the best way of effecting change;

e)  The reconvening of the City SACRE after a gap is very much welcomed, and a revitalisation to include representation through the SACRE of the broad diversity of the City’s population is supported, including those with no religious views;

f)  It is appreciated that the structure of SACREs is set in legislation and that a revision by Central Government is unlikely, so we must work with what we have;

g)  We need to work with and around the legislative requirements, but as a local SACRE, ensure that there is appropriate representation for the different voices. This could be included in the future work plan;

h)  Meeting 3 times a year is a good approach, but we must ensure that meeting dates don’t clash with any religious festivals, as this has previously caused issues;

i)  Due to an increase in anti-Semitic and religiously motivated attacks, there is a need for additional security if the Synagogue is to host a future meeting. This is a broader issue for places of worship and education, particularly when religious organisations are opening up their areas of sanctuary. Further investigation of security mechanisms need to be examined and determined prior to the next in-person meeting;

j)  Many city schools and multi-academy trusts are seeking to further diversify their teaching staff to better represent the diversity of children in their communities, through promotion through community groups. For example, for any opportunities with the Archway Learning Trust (a Trust supporting several academies with the Church of England ethos) contact Head of HR or CEO)Home - Archway Learning Trust (archwaytrust.co.uk);

k)  The department of Education is supporting some teacher recruitment work in the City facilitated by Nottingham Citizens with the Karima Institute and the Majority Black Led Churches/God’s Vineyard Ministries. It is anticipated that some teacher recruitment sessions will run in the autumn term. This is supported by all the Local Initial Teacher Training Providers, working collaboratively on grass-roots led recruitment. Members welcomed these actions.

Actions:

Heidi Shewell-Cooper:

o  To contact NASCRE to;

i.  determine if NASCRE RE training material and access to the website can be shared with member Authority schools;

ii.  identify what provision may be available to expand the membership groupings to more broadly incorporate the diversity of the City’s populations and religions following;

o  In advance of the next meeting, to facilitate a meeting of the Chair, David Wand, Chris Richards and any other interested members, to consider the constitution and membership scope, ensuring that there is equity for our communities.

o  To identify and liaise with appropriate representatives to contribute to future agenda items as listed for the forward plan.

Norman Randall:

o  To liaise with Heidi and Catherine to finalise a date and arrangements to potentially hold the next meeting at the Sherwood Synagogue;

Sarah Peek:

o  To liaise with Heidi and Catherine to finalise a date and arrangements to potentially hold the March 2024 meeting at St Stephen's CofE Primary School;

Andrea Burrows:

o  To liaise with Trinity Church, Heidi and Catherine to finalise a date to potentially and arrangements for holding the July 2024 meeting at a Trinity Church property;

Catherine Ziane-Pryor:

o  Determine the legislative public assess requirements of SACRE to facilitate meetings being held in places of worship and sanctuary.

Resolved 

1)  for future meetings to be held in person at varying religious and educational establishments;

2)  subject to confirmation, for future meeting to be held at 4.30pm as follows, with introductions invited from the host organisations:

o  23 November 2023 at the Sherwood Liberal Synagogue (at the invitation of Norman Randall);

o  14 March 2024 at Sneinton St Stephen's CofE Primary School (at the invitation of Sarah Peek);

o  4 July 2024 at Trinity Church (at the suggestion of Andrea Burrows);

3)  Topics for the forward plan include: