Agenda item

Member’s were informed that a draft SACRE Development Plan had been created which set out the Panel’s objectives and actions over the period 2013/14. The Chair advised Member’s that the feasibility of achieving the goals would depend on the budget available in the new municipal year.

Whilst advising the Panel on key objectives within the Development Plan, a discussion was raised on what to include and how to distribute a termly newsletter to the school’s in Slough. Member’s noted that it would be a good idea to make the newsletter a standing item on all future agendas so that the Panel has an opportunity to share ideas of what should be included on each newsletter. Member’s also suggested that a feature on a different faith school in the Borough should be included in each newsletter and that Khalsa would be a good school to start with.

The Chair informed the panel that Slough has not been represented particularly well at the annual Syllabus Conference. Member’s noted that the aim of the Conference is to ensure that Members are well informed about SACRE related issues and contribute to local debates. Concern was raised that money was being spent on the purchase of five places at the Conference, but only two Members of SACRE were ever in attendance.

Member’s noted that training on the new Syllabus is to be provided by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council in the form of two Twilight Sessions and a launch date. Concern was raised by the Member’s that even though teachers from Slough can attend the new syllabus training, it may be more beneficial for them to meet on their own as part of a SACRE conference.

It was agreed that it would be added to the Development Plan to see if it can be achieved within the budget.

Member’s discussed different ways in which SACRE could raise awareness of the organisation and engage with Slough school and suggested the possibility of holding an annual competition. It was agreed that the competition would be based on the word ‘Peace’ which would be used to inspire children to think and be creative. The Panel also suggested holding future meetings at Slough school’s and ask pupils and Religious Education teacher’s to attend and make presentations to the Member’s.

Resolved – a) That a SACRE newsletter be drafted and bought to the next
  meeting.

  b) That the newsletter becomes a standing item on future 
  agendas

  c) That Member’s be contacted to confirm their agreement to
   their email addresses being released to Julie Siddiqi

  d) That an article on the provision of Religious Education at
  Khalsa School be included in the first newsletter.

       e) That any Member wishing to attend the NASACRE AGM  
       contact the Chair to discuss arrangements.

   f) That the possibility of a conference for Slough schools be
  discussed at the next SACRE meeting.

  g) That a competition for Slough schools be created and details
  be included in the next newsletter.

  h) That the location of future meetings be explored with the
   possibility of holding them in Schools.