Portsmouth City Borough Council
Councillors:
42
Wards:
14
Committees:
37
Meetings (2026):
11
Meetings (2025):
117
Meeting
Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) - Portsmouth City
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 2nd July 2025
4:30 PM
Wednesday, 2nd July 2025
4:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 2nd July 2025
8:30 PM
Wednesday, 2nd July 2025
8:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
02 Jul 2025
02 Jul 2025
Location:
St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Bourne Road, Portsmouth PO6 4JD
St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Bourne Road, Portsmouth PO6 4JD
Meeting Attendees
Public
Barbara Spiegelhalter
Group A (Humanist)
Expected
Public
Geoff Wade
Group A (Humanist - nominated reserve)
Expected
Public
Reverend Ray Goddess
Group A (Methodist Church)
Expected
Public
Michael Zeffert
Jewish
Expected
Public
sarah coote
Group A (Quaker - Society of Friends)
Expected
Public
Jaswant Singh-Digpal
Group A (Sikhi)
Expected
Public
Christine McMillan
Group A (United Reformed Church)
Expected
Public
Captain Sarah Ilsters
Salvation Army (Group A)
Expected
Public
Sue Bowen
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Chair
Reverend Sam Duddles
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Public
Trish Gumede
Teachers' Liaison Panel (Group C)
Expected
Vice-Chair
Kari Laing
Group C (Post 16)
Expected
Public
Beth Smith
Group C (Secondary)
Expected
Public
Zoe Killick
Primary Headteachers (Group C)
Expected
Public
Ella Harbut
Early Years (Group C)
Expected
Public
Taki Jaffer
Group D (local authority)
Expected
Officer
Head of School Improvement & Early Years
Debbie Anderson
Expected
Public
SACRE
James Newsam
Expected
Public
Vacancy
Group A (Baptist)
Expected
Public
Pastor Chris Thomas
Group A (Evangelical Church))
Expected
Public
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
Group A (Muslim)
Expected
Public
Vacancy
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Clerk
Claire Campbell-Best
Expected
Agenda
1
Welcome and Introductions
Minutes
The Chair, Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.
2
Moment for Quiet Reflection
Minutes
Headteacher Zoe Killick at St Paul's Catholic Primary School (Group C) shared a prayer with the SACRE and asked what hope means to them followed by a moment of quiet reflection. A recording of a Year 6 pupil at the school was shared, detailing what hope means to them.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) gave a special thanks to Zoe Killick (Group C) and the pupil.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) gave a special thanks to Zoe Killick (Group C) and the pupil.
3
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Pastor Chris Thomas (Group A) in advance of the meeting.
Minutes
Apologies have been received from Pastor Chris Thomas, Evangelical Church (Group A) Sue Bowen, Church of England (Group B), Councillor Abdul Kadir and Taki Jaffer (Group D).
4
Declaration of Members' Interest
Minutes
There were none.
5
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The SACRE is asked to:
a) Agree the draft minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 12 March 2025.
b) Discuss any matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
a) Agree the draft minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 12 March 2025.
b) Discuss any matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE 12 March 25 Draft Minutes Final 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
The SACRE:
Agreed the draft minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2025.
Agreed the draft minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2025.
6
SACRE Membership and Member Training Report
Purpose
This report updates SACRE regarding its membership, training and other opportunities for the membership.
Recommended that SACRE:
a) Notes the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to appointing additional members.
b) Recommends to the LA that Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism) is reappointed for a term of 4 years.
c) Recommends to the LA that Kate Ayliffe (Assemblies of God) is appointed for a term of 4 years.
This report updates SACRE regarding its membership, training and other opportunities for the membership.
Recommended that SACRE:
a) Notes the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to appointing additional members.
b) Recommends to the LA that Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism) is reappointed for a term of 4 years.
c) Recommends to the LA that Kate Ayliffe (Assemblies of God) is appointed for a term of 4 years.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Membership report final July 2025 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, introduced the report and provided an update about the SACRE membership and training opportunities.
Chris May reported that searches for vacancies are still ongoing and have been hard to fill. The Hampshire SACRE may have a potential member of the Hindu faith and this information will be passed on to the SACRE Clerk. The SACRE Clerk has also written to nominating bodies to seek new SACRE members and the search is ongoing.
Revd Cannon Harriet Neale-Stevens (prospective Group B member) advised they had taken part in a training session provided by NASACRE and found the training informative particularly in preparation for joining the SACRE.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) queried the vacancies on paragraph 4.1 of the report as he is a member of the Islamic faith. Chris May suggested the wording in any future reports be changed to 'an additional representative from the Muslim faith'.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Note the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to approaching additional members.
Chris May reported that searches for vacancies are still ongoing and have been hard to fill. The Hampshire SACRE may have a potential member of the Hindu faith and this information will be passed on to the SACRE Clerk. The SACRE Clerk has also written to nominating bodies to seek new SACRE members and the search is ongoing.
Revd Cannon Harriet Neale-Stevens (prospective Group B member) advised they had taken part in a training session provided by NASACRE and found the training informative particularly in preparation for joining the SACRE.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) queried the vacancies on paragraph 4.1 of the report as he is a member of the Islamic faith. Chris May suggested the wording in any future reports be changed to 'an additional representative from the Muslim faith'.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Note the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of this report and that the Authority continues to approach relevant nominating bodies with a view to approaching additional members.
7
SACRE Monitoring Group Report
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to inform SACRE of the findings and discussions that took place during the meeting of the SACRE monitoring sub-group on 4 June 2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE notes the findings of the Monitoring Group Meeting.
The purpose of this report is to inform SACRE of the findings and discussions that took place during the meeting of the SACRE monitoring sub-group on 4 June 2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE notes the findings of the Monitoring Group Meeting.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE MG Report 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, informed the SACRE the Monitoring Group met on 04 June 2025 and that the report sets out a summary of the discussions held during this meeting. This includes activities to monitor professional RE education, the effectiveness of RE, recent Ofsted inspections, school visits and draft guidance for the monitoring of collective worship within school (in conjunction with agenda item 9).
Chris May then gave updates as detailed in the report:
· Chris May updated the SACRE on recent Ofsted inspections. Comments relevant to RE were shared and it was noted that personal development is coming out as a strength for Portsmouth schools.
· The current and proposed changes to Ofsted inspections were shared and the SACRE was asked to look at the outcomes of an ungraded inspection shared on page 19 of the agenda pack.
· Chris May then went on to explain members of the SACRE Monitoring Group have visited schools to observe collective worship and more visits are planned to take place in the next academic year.
· Debbie Anderson, Head of School Improvement and Councillor Shah (Group D) visited a school and nursery to observe and share collective worship and had an interesting experience with children aged between 4-7.
· They noted the collective worship was linked to school values and age appropriate. Children were respectful and keen to share ideas; collective worship also give the children an opportunity to have a moment of reflection.
· Councillor Shah (Group D) observed and noted children were reflective and quiet and repeated words and phrases back to show further understanding and that overall, it was a good experience; children were given the time to talk to one another, promoting mutual respect.
· Debbie Anderson and Councillor Shah (Group D) advised the SACRE they intend to visit another school to observe older children in collective worship.
· Chris May updated the SACRE further on RE within education; Beth Smith (Group C) applied and was successful in obtaining a grant via the Jerusalem Fund with is used to support the teaching of Christianity within schools.
· Christine McMillan (Group A) raised a concern that a lack of school vacancies relating to RE within the Portsmouth area might hide reduced provision. Chris May noted and agreed with the comment adding that this is just one part of the work to gain an insight into provision across the LA.
RESOLVED that SACRE note the report.
Chris May then gave updates as detailed in the report:
· Chris May updated the SACRE on recent Ofsted inspections. Comments relevant to RE were shared and it was noted that personal development is coming out as a strength for Portsmouth schools.
· The current and proposed changes to Ofsted inspections were shared and the SACRE was asked to look at the outcomes of an ungraded inspection shared on page 19 of the agenda pack.
· Chris May then went on to explain members of the SACRE Monitoring Group have visited schools to observe collective worship and more visits are planned to take place in the next academic year.
· Debbie Anderson, Head of School Improvement and Councillor Shah (Group D) visited a school and nursery to observe and share collective worship and had an interesting experience with children aged between 4-7.
· They noted the collective worship was linked to school values and age appropriate. Children were respectful and keen to share ideas; collective worship also give the children an opportunity to have a moment of reflection.
· Councillor Shah (Group D) observed and noted children were reflective and quiet and repeated words and phrases back to show further understanding and that overall, it was a good experience; children were given the time to talk to one another, promoting mutual respect.
· Debbie Anderson and Councillor Shah (Group D) advised the SACRE they intend to visit another school to observe older children in collective worship.
· Chris May updated the SACRE further on RE within education; Beth Smith (Group C) applied and was successful in obtaining a grant via the Jerusalem Fund with is used to support the teaching of Christianity within schools.
· Christine McMillan (Group A) raised a concern that a lack of school vacancies relating to RE within the Portsmouth area might hide reduced provision. Chris May noted and agreed with the comment adding that this is just one part of the work to gain an insight into provision across the LA.
RESOLVED that SACRE note the report.
8
Key Local and National Matters Report
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to enable SACRE to consider key local and national developments in RE not mentioned elsewhere in this agenda. This report seeks to update and inform SACRE of key national and local developments, for example the work of the Religious Education Council (REC) and NASACRE as well as the Association of University Lecturers in Religious Education (AULRE) and initiatives being led by the Culham St Gabriel’s Trust.
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE notes the report.
The purpose of this report is to enable SACRE to consider key local and national developments in RE not mentioned elsewhere in this agenda. This report seeks to update and inform SACRE of key national and local developments, for example the work of the Religious Education Council (REC) and NASACRE as well as the Association of University Lecturers in Religious Education (AULRE) and initiatives being led by the Culham St Gabriel’s Trust.
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE notes the report.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Key Local and National Matters report 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, introduced the report on key national and local matters and provided the following updates to SACRE members:
RE online has produced a free list of comprehensive resources which Chris May advised members to view and promote. Chris May also went on to state that RE Hubs is a useful resource - it is an online platform, and upcoming events are advertised as well as the booking of speakers (who have undertaken training). Chris May encourages SACRE members to join as speakers, the next training session is 7 July and if members are interested to sign up online.
Chris May advised what training is available to SACRE members. NASACRE offers training and members can look and view on their website and watch pre-recorded videos which are useful and informative. AULRE offers free webinars which members are encouraged to attend. Alongside this, there is the Religious Education Leadership Programme offered by Culham St Gabriel's Trust in collaboration with AULRE. More information can be found here: Leadership Scholarship Programme - Culham St Gabriel's
Chris May and Justine Ball will attend the AULRE/AREIAC annual conference. Chris May will be presenting on: Living Difference IV: Theory into practise in time of crisis.
Chris May also advised that Westminster Abbey has a range of online teaching resources, designed to support the teaching of Christianity in depth. SACRE members can view the full set of free, downloadable teaching resources, all of which are aligned to the National Curriculum.
Michael Zeffert (Group A) raised the following point in relation to key local matters:
· A school in Hampshire, outside of the Portsmouth area was in the news in relation to decisions around the celebration of religious festivals. Michael Zeffertt raised concerns around how the school had dealt with the situation and that this should be a matter for SACRE to discuss.
· Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) thanked Michael Zeffertt for their contribution and asked Chris May, Professional Adviser to clarify.
· Chris May stated that in line with the advice from Hampshire County Council to SACRE Advisers, his advice was that this was a matter to be handled by the school. As the event in question did not relate to either RE provision, or the school’s collective worship, it was therefore outside of SACRE’s remit.
· Michael Zeffertt remarked that his concerns remain and that it seems this should be a conversation for SACRE.
· Revd. Sam Duddles thanked Chris May and Michael Zeffertt for their comments and requested the meeting move on to the next agenda item.
RESOLVED that SACRE note the report.
RE online has produced a free list of comprehensive resources which Chris May advised members to view and promote. Chris May also went on to state that RE Hubs is a useful resource - it is an online platform, and upcoming events are advertised as well as the booking of speakers (who have undertaken training). Chris May encourages SACRE members to join as speakers, the next training session is 7 July and if members are interested to sign up online.
Chris May advised what training is available to SACRE members. NASACRE offers training and members can look and view on their website and watch pre-recorded videos which are useful and informative. AULRE offers free webinars which members are encouraged to attend. Alongside this, there is the Religious Education Leadership Programme offered by Culham St Gabriel's Trust in collaboration with AULRE. More information can be found here: Leadership Scholarship Programme - Culham St Gabriel's
Chris May and Justine Ball will attend the AULRE/AREIAC annual conference. Chris May will be presenting on: Living Difference IV: Theory into practise in time of crisis.
Chris May also advised that Westminster Abbey has a range of online teaching resources, designed to support the teaching of Christianity in depth. SACRE members can view the full set of free, downloadable teaching resources, all of which are aligned to the National Curriculum.
Michael Zeffert (Group A) raised the following point in relation to key local matters:
· A school in Hampshire, outside of the Portsmouth area was in the news in relation to decisions around the celebration of religious festivals. Michael Zeffertt raised concerns around how the school had dealt with the situation and that this should be a matter for SACRE to discuss.
· Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) thanked Michael Zeffertt for their contribution and asked Chris May, Professional Adviser to clarify.
· Chris May stated that in line with the advice from Hampshire County Council to SACRE Advisers, his advice was that this was a matter to be handled by the school. As the event in question did not relate to either RE provision, or the school’s collective worship, it was therefore outside of SACRE’s remit.
· Michael Zeffertt remarked that his concerns remain and that it seems this should be a conversation for SACRE.
· Revd. Sam Duddles thanked Chris May and Michael Zeffertt for their comments and requested the meeting move on to the next agenda item.
RESOLVED that SACRE note the report.
9
Website Monitoring Report
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide the SACRE with the findings of the website monitoring task undertaken by members of the SACRE Monitoring Group. This task was undertaken as part of the SACRE's duty to monitor the effectiveness of the Portsmouth Agreed Syllabus
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE notes the report.
The purpose of this report is to provide the SACRE with the findings of the website monitoring task undertaken by members of the SACRE Monitoring Group. This task was undertaken as part of the SACRE's duty to monitor the effectiveness of the Portsmouth Agreed Syllabus
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE notes the report.
Attachments:
- Document Website Monitoring Report July 2025 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, introduced the report on website monitoring and provided the following updates to SACRE members:
A selection of the SACRE Monitoring Group have monitored the websites of a number of primary and secondary schools. This task was undertaken as part of the SACRE's duty to monitor the effectiveness of the Portsmouth Agreed Syllabus. This was to allow the group to gain an overview of provision across the local authority.
Chris May reported that website monitoring is a quick and effective snapshot with regards to Religious Education and how is it implemented within the school. The group found all schools sampled a clear overview of what is taught on their website and clear curriculum sequences were observed.
Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) informed members they enjoyed looking at the websites and was particularly impressed with a secondary school website. Michael Zeffertt (Group A) agreed as they have visited this particular school.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) asked if parents have a right to withdraw their children from RE lessons. In response to this question, Chris May advised that parents can withdraw their children. Debbie Anderson clarified that following a survey with Portsmouth schools, withdrawal numbers were very low. Zoe Killick (Group C) agreed and explained when a school engages with parents and inform them of what was being taught and how it would be delivered, parents are often happy to proceed.
RESOLVED - that SACRE note the report.
A selection of the SACRE Monitoring Group have monitored the websites of a number of primary and secondary schools. This task was undertaken as part of the SACRE's duty to monitor the effectiveness of the Portsmouth Agreed Syllabus. This was to allow the group to gain an overview of provision across the local authority.
Chris May reported that website monitoring is a quick and effective snapshot with regards to Religious Education and how is it implemented within the school. The group found all schools sampled a clear overview of what is taught on their website and clear curriculum sequences were observed.
Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) informed members they enjoyed looking at the websites and was particularly impressed with a secondary school website. Michael Zeffertt (Group A) agreed as they have visited this particular school.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) asked if parents have a right to withdraw their children from RE lessons. In response to this question, Chris May advised that parents can withdraw their children. Debbie Anderson clarified that following a survey with Portsmouth schools, withdrawal numbers were very low. Zoe Killick (Group C) agreed and explained when a school engages with parents and inform them of what was being taught and how it would be delivered, parents are often happy to proceed.
RESOLVED - that SACRE note the report.
10
Collective Worship Guidance for Schools' Report
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to present SCARE with draft updated guidance to schools in relation to Collective Worship.
RECOMMENDS that the SACRE adopts the updated guidance on Collective Worship.
The purpose of this report is to present SCARE with draft updated guidance to schools in relation to Collective Worship.
RECOMMENDS that the SACRE adopts the updated guidance on Collective Worship.
Attachments:
- Document Collective Worship guidence report 24 Jun 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser introduced the report to SACRE members. This included updated guidance to schools in relation to collective worship. This guidance had been checked by Chris May and Justine Ball and it is proposed that the SACRE adopts the updated guidance on collective worship. Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) advised the SACRE to review the draft guidance but to be reminded that this is statutory guidance.
The SACRE then reviewed the draft guidance, and the following points were raised:
· Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) raised with SACRE members that the guidance should avoid emphasising parents having the right to withdraw their children from collective worship in paragraph 6 and instead focus more on the importance of sensitivity.
· Trish Guede (Group C) asked what will happen with this guidance when the Local Government Reorganisation happens. Chris May advised the guidance will largely remain the same.
· James Newsam (Group C) asked who has ultimate responsibility for collective worship, the Headteacher or governors. He asked if the document could more clearly reflect this.
· Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) noted this point will be clarified and the draft guidance will be amended and reviewed at the next meeting with a view to adopting the guidance.
· Chris May suggested if SACRE members notice a point or issue with regards to the draft guidance to please contact him before the next meeting.
RESOLVED that the SACRE
a) Review and amended the draft guidance on collective worship at the next SACRE meeting.
The SACRE then reviewed the draft guidance, and the following points were raised:
· Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A) raised with SACRE members that the guidance should avoid emphasising parents having the right to withdraw their children from collective worship in paragraph 6 and instead focus more on the importance of sensitivity.
· Trish Guede (Group C) asked what will happen with this guidance when the Local Government Reorganisation happens. Chris May advised the guidance will largely remain the same.
· James Newsam (Group C) asked who has ultimate responsibility for collective worship, the Headteacher or governors. He asked if the document could more clearly reflect this.
· Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) noted this point will be clarified and the draft guidance will be amended and reviewed at the next meeting with a view to adopting the guidance.
· Chris May suggested if SACRE members notice a point or issue with regards to the draft guidance to please contact him before the next meeting.
RESOLVED that the SACRE
a) Review and amended the draft guidance on collective worship at the next SACRE meeting.
11
Dates and Venue of Future Meetings
The next meetings will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea, PO5 2RG
Future Dates:
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
All meetings will take place at 4.30pm. If no venue is available, meetings will take place remotely on Teams.
Future Dates:
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
All meetings will take place at 4.30pm. If no venue is available, meetings will take place remotely on Teams.
Minutes
The next meeting will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea, PO5 2RG
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE meets on the following dates:
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) advised SACRE members to let the Chair or SACRE Clerk know if any of the future dates clash.
All meeting will take place at 4.30pm. If no venue is available, meetings will take place remotely on Teams.
The meeting concluded at 6.00pm
………………………………………………………………………..
Chair of SACRE
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE meets on the following dates:
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Revd. Sam Duddles (Group B) advised SACRE members to let the Chair or SACRE Clerk know if any of the future dates clash.
All meeting will take place at 4.30pm. If no venue is available, meetings will take place remotely on Teams.
The meeting concluded at 6.00pm
………………………………………………………………………..
Chair of SACRE
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