Agenda and draft minutes

To receive declarations of interest from any members with respect to an item of business

There were no declarations of interest.

To determine whether any items on the agenda require the exclusion of members of the public or press

There were no matters of business for which it was deemed necessary to exclude members of the public or press.

To review and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30^th June, 2022, as a true and accurate record of the proceedings

The minutes from the last meeting on 30^th June, 2022 were approved as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.

With regards to Minute No. 15 (Mini Guides to Religions and World Views) it was noted the Mini Guides had not yet been circulated to all schools.  This would be followed up and distributed in due course.

Reference was also made to Minute No. 17(2) (Conference).  No bookings had as yet been made. The date (7^th October) had been included on the weekly bulletins circulated to all schools.  This date would likely be cancelled and a further one scheduled in due course, subject to availability.

The Chair provided an update on the latest position of the Development Plan.

Steady progress was being made with plans already being made for the RE Awards.

In terms of the Determinations, an update on progress would be provided in due course.

Resolved:-  That the information be received and the contents noted.

The Chair was unable to provide an update on the plans for the Conference as no bookings to date had been made. Contact would be made with LAT to seek an alternative date after the Christmas break.

The Chair invited those present to self-evaluate the Toolkit to reach an agreement on the content.

Each section of the Toolkit was evaluated and scored accordingly.  The final version would be collated and updated.

Discussion ensued on the sharing of information amongst primary and secondary schools and the best mode for this to continue.  It was suggested a Heads of Religious Education meeting be held for informal consultation and information sharing.

Further information would also be sought on the lead for Community Cohesion at the Council.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the newly evaluated Toolkit be updated.

(2)  That a meeting be arranged for Heads of Religious Education and the lead for Community Cohesion shared.

The Chair described the previous arrangements for the RE Awards, which not only promoted Religious Education, but had formed part of the Children’s Festival.

These had not been arranged for a few years, but it was suggested that they take place during 2023 in June/early July.

To raise the profile of these Awards it was recommended they be held at the Town Hall and a request made for the Mayor to present.

Resolved-  That contact be made with the relevant staff at the Town Hall to ascertain the availability of the John Smith Room and the Mayor.

To determine any items which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency

Recruitment

Those present considered appropriate methods of recruiting other members to SACRE and some awareness raising would continue to take place.

The next virtual meeting of the Rotherham Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education will be held on 8 December 2022, commencing at 4.00 pm.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Rotherham Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education take place on Thursday, 8^th December, 2022 at 4.00 p.m. at the Town Hall (with a  meeting also diarised on Microsoft Teams).