Minutes:
Ashpreet Singh Nainu confirmed that he had been offered a conditional place at UCL Institute of Education for PGCE Religious Education, and was due to start in September.
Andrea Sparrow confirmed that she was due to attend an upcoming conference on the matter of ‘Faith in British Schools’, details of which would be forwarded to SACRE Members by email.
Robin Crofts confirmed that he had attended a group meeting of the Slough head teachers, with a view to raising the profile of the work of SACRE within schools. Feedback from the meeting was that the schools recognised the importance and value of SACRE but did not feel that there was anything further required of SACRE at this time.
Julie Siddiqi confirmed that she had met with the Head of a Jewish school located in North London, with a view to strengthening links between the various faith schools. It was pleasing that the school was open minded to bringing in visitors, whilst ensuring best practice in challenging extremism within schools.
On the matter of extremism, Mr Crofts confirmed that Peter Clark, appointed to lead an investigation into alleged ‘Trojan Horse’ extremist plots, had written to all head teachers and chairs of governors setting out guidance on how to ensure that extremism was being challenged and that governance in schools was robust.
Linda Lewis confirmed that she had attended training on how to challenge extremism, held by her school’s Head teacher, who in turn had attended training conducted by a Prevent Officer. The training had been positively received by Ms Lewis’ colleagues at the school; in particular as it had been structured to ensure that the focus was on challenging extremism within a variety of faiths.