Further to the discussion at the last meeting (minute 20 refers), a local RE award sub-group of SACRE will meet remotely on Friday 27 March 2026 at 10.00 am.  To provide the opportunity to launch the scheme at the conferences, SACRE is invited to delegate authority to the sub-group to confirm the criteria and other arrangements for the award.

Further to the discussion at the last meeting (minute 20 refers), it was noted that a sub-group of SACRE would meet remotely on Friday 27 March 2026 to consider the details for a local RE award scheme for schools.

Stephen Pett commented on the potential for a bronze award initially, requiring evidence of the completion of three activities.  It was noted that silver and gold awards could be developed subsequently, requiring evidence of the completion of further activities, plus demonstration of the consequential impacts on practice and on pupil responses.  It was suggested that the scheme could be launched at the primary RE conference.

The key points of the discussion included:

i.             The potential to present certificates to schools during assemblies, and to publicise the awards at the annual conferences and through the local authority bulletin for schools, Spotlight.  It was suggested that an example copy of Spotlight be circulated to SACRE members for information.

ii.            The need to update the document ‘A Guide to People and Places: Supporting RE and experiencing faith in Herefordshire schools’ and for this to be made available to schools.  Carolyn Ault and Louise Barker offered to review the document and to contact listed representatives to identify any necessary revisions.

Resolved:      That the sub-group of SACRE be delegated to confirm the details for a local RE award scheme.

Action 3:         That the following be made available to SACRE members:

·      An example copy of the Spotlight bulletin for information; and

·      ‘A Guide to People and Places: Supporting RE and experiencing faith in Herefordshire schools’

[to be circulated to SACRE members alongside the next agenda]