Minutes:
45.1 Mr Gough was welcomed to SACRE and thanked for his continued support.
45.2 He advised members that he wished to listen and learn and had been pleased to meet a small group earlier in the year, which had resulted in a letter being sent to Mr Gove (the then secretary of State for Education) He had received no reply, neither had he heard from his replacement, Nicky Morgan. He felt it would be timely to send her a revised version of the letter highlighting Kent’s concerns. He firmly believed the direction of the world was not secular and religion must be given due significance.
45.3 Mr Gough conceded the world of education was changing, the impact of Academies as single convertors, National chains and multi Academy trusts/Free schools all contributed to the reduced but still significant role of the Local Authority.
45.4 Mr Gough expressed the view that the focus should be on three main topics:-
a) incentives for schools- overcome feeling RE is an optional extra with little significance, having regard to tackling issue over E-Bacc and Ofsted
b) Funding-bursaries for early learning training be revived?
c) Ofsted-must acknowledge a more diverse schools system, accepting changes bring challenges, but continue to work on good and positive relationships and work on the importance of good and lasting dialogue.
45.5 Mr Gough invited questions from members:-
Mr Elenor -how does the Authority obtain information from Academies/Free schools?
45.6 Ans-it varied, work was ongoing to maintain a steady improvement in relationships. SACRE carried out a very valuable training role, survey work and maintaining contact with schools.
45.7 Mr Maddison- the LA no longer had the influence it previously enjoyed when schools took Academy status, how could incentives be best used?
45.8 Ans-
Headteachers were under increasing pressure, sometimes with their careers at stake and L.A and SACRE must explore best methods to influence through dialogue and incentives.
45.9 Mr Tyson was encouraged by the announcement of Government bursaries-(school direct scheme) and RE graduate assistance. Teaching schools had a remit to work in collaboration with other schools-what opportunities did SACRE and KCC have to develop expertise in Kent? RE link with SMSC, Ofsted comments on British values, considered RE was the ideal way through meaningful and rigorous academic content.
45.10 Ans-
Bursaries were good, needed to be expanded. British Values agreed in principal, unsure how to take forward. Teaching schools needed to be identified, strengths recognised and work mapped out to take forward.
45.11 Mrs Younosi expressed concern that many schools do not know about SACRE, members of the multi-faith group wished to support schools and share expertise, but did not know a mechanism to do this?
45.12 Ans-
KELSI and L.A communications to schools, E-bulletin/ newsletters. Most effective way was to identify specific initiatives and publicise accordingly.
45.13 Miss Walters reported CCCU had very strong training links and suggested Mr Gough contact their teacher education.
45.14 Ans-
Will do, thank you
45.15 Mr Manion thanked Mr Gough for his attendance at the meeting and confirmed he looked forward to seeing the redrafted letter to the Sec. of State.