Agenda item

Robin Crofts, Director of Education, introduced an item seeking the advice of SACRE on the matter of Supplementary Schools in Slough.

It was confirmed that Supplementary Schools offer educational support to pupils separately to their mainstream education. In an effort to foster links between Supplementary Schools, Academies, Community schools, and the Local Authority (LA), Mr Crofts had written to those known to provide supplementary schooling across Slough, requesting that they come together with the LA to discuss the development of a programme of support and engagement.

SACRE members were conscious that supplementary schools required overview, but were mindful that LA involvement could be seen to be endorsing schools not aligned with national requirements. Several members referenced institutions that could be described as supplementary schools, and felt it was important that the LA engage with these bodies.

It was felt that further clarity could be offered as to what exactly a supplementary school was. It was agreed that Mr Crofts would forward an email detailing the definition of a supplementary school to all members of SACRE. Members could then respond giving details of any such schools that could be invited to attend the proposed meeting. Details of this meeting would then be fed back to SACRE at its next scheduled meeting.