Agenda and minutes

The Chair noted apologies had been received from Group A membership: Suzan Tokan and Michelle Goldsmith (Humanism), Sally Strauss (Judaism), Sarah Cawte (Pentecostal Churches) and Dawn Titus (Roman Catholic) & Group C membership: Helen Mooney (Vice Chair) and Ian Slade.

Given the number of members present, it was confirmed that the meeting was not quorate.  It was, however, agreed by those members present that the meeting should continue on the basis that any formal decisions made would be subject to formal ratification at the next quorate meeting.

To undertake the annual election of the SACRE Chair & Vice-Chair.

Members are asked to note that in accordance with the SACREConstitution:

·             The local authority has agreed not to exercise their right to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair, meaning the appointments will be a matter for SACRE to agree; and

·             The appointment of Chair & Vice Chair will be for a one year term of office covering the 2023-24 academic year, with future elections to take place at the last SACRE meeting of each preceeding academic year.

In view of the meeting not being quorate and apologies for absence submitted by Helen Mooney (Vice Chair) it was AGREED that the election of Chair/Vice-Chair for the 2023 - 24 academic year be deferred until the next SACRE meeting with Basma ElShayyal to continue as chair pending the outcome of the next election process. ACTION: Abby Shinhmar

To consider and approve the minutes from the last SACRE meeting held on Thursday 9 February 2023.

It was AGREED to approve the minutes of the previous SACRE meeting held on Thursday 9 February 2023.

4.1   Members are asked to note that since the Agenda was published, a determination application has been received from The Stonebridge School, details attached, which Members are being asked to consider at the meeting.

4.2   To note the following school with an expired determination:

·            Uxendon Manor School

Basma ElShayyal, Chair, advised that there was one determination to be considered at the meeting – Stonebridge School.

In considering the determination application, SACRE noted the limited detail which had been provided in support.  Given the incomplete nature of the application it was AGREED that consideration should be deferred to the next meeting, pending submission of the required supporting information.

Members were advised the supporting information required to complete the application had already been requested from the school which Helen Tulloch advised would be followed up after the meeting. ACTION: Helen Tulloch

Following consideration of the Brent summary 2021 census data relating to religion at the previous meeting a further summary has now been provided mapping Brents population by religion.

This has also been attached for SACREs information.

SACRE considered a summary factsheet detailing the results of the 2021 National Census relating to a breakdown of Brent’s population by religion.  Jen Haskew provided a brief overview and SACRE noted:

·                The insightful nature of the detail and key points outlined along with the relevance to the membership and operation of SACRE.  In noting the breakdown by population, the Chair felt it would also be useful to compare against any similar data available on the breakdown of the school population across the borough by religion.  ACTION: Jen Haskew to review available data and update next meeting.

·                The usefulness of the data in seeking to support wider policy development and teaching support with members specifically highlighting the low % of population across the borough and individual wards recorded as having “no religion” when compared elsewhere.

·                The additional work being undertaken by the Council in regards to the breakdown of Census data by ward, which could also be shared with SACRE once available.

SACRE AGREED to note the Census Factsheet detailing the breakdown of Brent’s population by religion, which it was felt provided a useful reference point for the future consideration of wider policy development and teaching support.

To consider any current NASACRE updates.

Members are asked to note that the NASCRE Annual Conference took place on 22 May 2023.  The key note address at the Conference was provided by Dr Kathryn Wright (Chief Executive Culham St Gabriels Trust) with a summary of her address attached for reference “An Education in religion and worldviews – the next 30 years”

SACRE welcomed Nadia Nadeem to the meeting as newly appointed SACRE/RE Advisor who provided a brief update on the NASACRE Annual Conference that had taken place in May 23.  Members noted the outline of the main focus of discussion during the Conference, which had included the shortage of RE teachers and work being undertaken to address community cohesion along with the summary of the keynote address provided by Dr Kathryn Wright (Chief Executive Culham St Gabriel’s Trust).

In considering the update provided the Chair welcome the lead being taken by NASACRE in seeking to strengthen and raise the profile of activities designed to promote wider community cohesion through schools including engagement around the content of assemblies.  Members also welcomed the focus on the shortage of RE teachers, which it was felt further highlighted the need to ensure appropriate training and ongoing professional support remained available.  Basma ElShayyal (as Chair) felt it important to also recognise the support which had been provided within Brent through the RE Advisor provision.

In terms of available training and professional development, Nadia Nadeem highlighted the extensive range of CPD training and webinars available through NASACRE for SACRE members with the training offer and information available through the RE Hub focussed specifically on teaching staff in schools.  As a result, it was AGREED that further details on the training programme available would be provided for inclusion within the Headteacher Bulletin. ACTION: Nadia Nadeem

As no further issues were raised the Chair thanked Nadia Nadeem for the update provided.

7.1   Date of Future Meetings

SACRE is asked to note the remaining programme of dates identified for meetings during the 2023-24 academic year, as follows:

·        Wednesday 11th October 2023 at 5pm.

·        Thursday 8th February 2024 at 5pm.

These will be undertaken as online meetings, unless otherwise indicated.

7.1   SACRE Membership

Basma ElShayyal advised that she had been made aware of interest amongst teaching representatives in joining SACRE, should any vacancies in that membership group become available.  It was AGREED that details would be provided for review, as any vacancies were identified.

7.2   Links between Brent SACRE & Multi Faith Forum

Reverend Steve Taylor (who was joined online by Reverend Ali Taylor as a member of the Brent Multi Faith Forum) highlighted the potential scope for SACRE to consider in establishing closer working relationships with the Brent Multi Faith Forum given the Forum’s interest in the RE Hub and wider engagement and links with faith communities across the borough.  The potential benefits in terms more joined up working were highlighted, particularly in terms of the membership of both bodies and engagement with schools, which was supported as an approach to be developed by members of SACRE.  In recognising the need to ensure Head Teachers were fully involved in proposals relating to engagement with schools, Shirley Parks advised that she would be willing to attend a future meeting of the Multi Faith Forum to advise on the role of SACRE.  In order to progress the approach, it was therefore AGREED that a further discussion be undertaken at a future SACRE meeting on the scope of any partnership working and links that could be established between the Multi Faith Forum and SACRE (including any programme of school visits) ACTION: Shirley Parks/Jen Haskew

7.3   Dates of Future Meetings

AGREED the remaining programme of dates identified for meetings during the 2023-24 academic year, as follows:

·            Wednesday 11th October 2023 at 5pm

·            Thursday 8th February 2024 at 5pm

It was noted that these would continue to be undertaken as online meetings, unless otherwise indicated.