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, 12th November 2025
4:45 PM
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
4:45 PM
End:
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
8:45 PM
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
8:45 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
12 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
Location:
St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2RG
St Swithun's Catholic Primary School, Taswell Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2RG
Meeting Attendees
Chair
Reverend Sam Duddles
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Public
Taki Jaffer
Group D (local authority)
Expected
Public
Geoff Wade
Group A (Humanist - nominated reserve)
Expected
Public
Jaswant Singh-Digpal
Group A (Sikhi)
Expected
Public
Christine McMillan
Group A (United Reformed Church)
Expected
Public
Sue Bowen
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Committee Member
Deputy Lord Mayor
Public
Barbara Spiegelhalter
Group A (Humanist)
Expected
Public
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
Group A (Muslim)
Expected
Public
Reverend Ray Goddess
Group A (Methodist Church)
Expected
Public
sarah coote
Group A (Quaker - Society of Friends)
Expected
Public
Trish Gumede
Teachers' Liaison Panel (Group C)
Expected
Public
Beth Smith
Group C (Secondary)
Expected
Public
Zoe Killick
Primary Headteachers (Group C)
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
Michael Zeffert
Jewish
Expected
Public
Captain Sarah Ilsters
Salvation Army (Group A)
Expected
Public
Vacancy
Group B (Church of England)
Expected
Vice-Chair
Kari Laing
Group C (Post 16)
Expected
Public
Ella Harbut
Early Years (Group C)
Expected
Clerk
Claire Campbell-Best
Expected
Agenda
1
Welcome and Introductions
Minutes
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.
2
Moment for Quiet Reflection
Minutes
James Newsam, Assistant Headteacher at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School (Group C) guided the SACRE into a moment of reflection in conjunction with Remembrance Day. James invited members to reflect on something they wished to remember in connection with Remembrance Day.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair gave a special thanks to James.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair gave a special thanks to James.
3
Apologies for Absence
Minutes
Apologies were received from Pastor Chris Thomas (Group A), Michael Zeffert (Group A), Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo (Group A), Zoe Killick (Group C) and Debbie Anderson (Head of School Improvement).
4
Declaration of Members' Interest
Minutes
No declarations of interest were made.
5
Election of Chair of SACRE
Purpose
To seek nominations for, and elect, a Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE.
The election for the Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE will be made by a way of nomination and seconding procedure, followed by a majority vote decision. Those nominated must be aware of their nomination. If more than one nomination is made, an election will be held with each Group (A, B, C and D) having one vote. In the event of a 2:2 vote, there is no casting vote, and the status quo will be maintained until such time as a majority decision is reached. No other persons shall be entitled to vote. If one nomination is received, a vote will not be required.
The role of the Chair includes:
· Ensuring that the Portsmouth SACRE fulfils its statutory duties and responsibilities by having a clear grasp of the nature and make up of SACRE, what it is responsible for and what it can do beyond its statutory functions.
· Taking a lead in the Portsmouth SACRE's on-going process of self-evaluation and development.
· Ensuring the smooth and efficient running of SACRE meetings including making sure that the business of the meeting is dealt with and that all members can participate and contribute fully.
· Being the public face of the Portsmouth SACRE, representing it at public events, including interfaith events, and being a champion for religious education and collective worship in the local authority and its schools.
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE elects a Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE for 2 years with immediate effect.
To seek nominations for, and elect, a Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE.
The election for the Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE will be made by a way of nomination and seconding procedure, followed by a majority vote decision. Those nominated must be aware of their nomination. If more than one nomination is made, an election will be held with each Group (A, B, C and D) having one vote. In the event of a 2:2 vote, there is no casting vote, and the status quo will be maintained until such time as a majority decision is reached. No other persons shall be entitled to vote. If one nomination is received, a vote will not be required.
The role of the Chair includes:
· Ensuring that the Portsmouth SACRE fulfils its statutory duties and responsibilities by having a clear grasp of the nature and make up of SACRE, what it is responsible for and what it can do beyond its statutory functions.
· Taking a lead in the Portsmouth SACRE's on-going process of self-evaluation and development.
· Ensuring the smooth and efficient running of SACRE meetings including making sure that the business of the meeting is dealt with and that all members can participate and contribute fully.
· Being the public face of the Portsmouth SACRE, representing it at public events, including interfaith events, and being a champion for religious education and collective worship in the local authority and its schools.
RECOMMENDED that the SACRE elects a Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE for 2 years with immediate effect.
Minutes
A valid proposal to nominate Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) was received from Councillor Benedict Swann (Group D) and seconded by Captain Sarah Ilsters (Group A). As this was the only nomination, no vote was required, and Revd Sam Duddles was duly elected Chair of Portsmouth SACRE for a further two-year term.
The SACRE collectively thanked Revd Sam Duddles for their chairmanship to date.
RESOLVED to:
a) Elect Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) as Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE for a two-year term with immediate effect.
b) Thank Revd Sam Duddles for her Chairmanship over the past two years.
The SACRE collectively thanked Revd Sam Duddles for their chairmanship to date.
RESOLVED to:
a) Elect Revd Sam Duddles (Group B) as Chair of the Portsmouth SACRE for a two-year term with immediate effect.
b) Thank Revd Sam Duddles for her Chairmanship over the past two years.
6
Minutes of the Previous meeting held on 02 July 2025
The SACRE is asked to:
a) Agree the draft minutes of the meeting held on 02 July 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 02 July 2025.
b) Discuss any matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Minutes 2 July 2025 Draft 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
It was noted that there was a typing error in the last bullet point of Item 7 and a grammatical error in the last paragraph of Item 9. These should be corrected.
RESOLVED to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2025 as an accurate record, subject to the amendments above.
RESOLVED to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2025 as an accurate record, subject to the amendments above.
7
SACRE Membership and Member Training report
Purpose
This report updates SACRE regarding its membership, training and other opportunities for membership.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE:
a) Recommends to the LA that Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism) is reappointed for a term of 4 years.
b) Recommends to the LA that Revd. Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Anglican Cathedral) is appointed for a term of 4 years.
c) 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.
d) Notes that the SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions and that it is good practice for members to take advantage of training opportunities when possible.
This report updates SACRE regarding its membership, training and other opportunities for membership.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE:
a) Recommends to the LA that Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism) is reappointed for a term of 4 years.
b) Recommends to the LA that Revd. Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Anglican Cathedral) is appointed for a term of 4 years.
c) 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.
d) Notes that the SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions and that it is good practice for members to take advantage of training opportunities when possible.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Membership Report 12 November 2025 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser introduced the report and thanked the Clerk for her help in providing information for the report.
Membership
Chris May outlined the current membership and structure of SACRE.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, presented the following recommendations to the SACRE:
Reappoint Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism - Group A) for a term of four years. Appoint Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Anglican Cathedral - Group B) for a term of four years.
The SACRE unanimously agreed to both recommendations. Revd Sam Duddles thanked Barbara for her continued service and welcomed Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens as a new member.
Chris May highlighted vacancies listed in section 4 of the report. The Clerk is contacting nominating bodies to fill these roles. SACRE members were invited to suggest suitable candidates.
The following suggestions were made of potential new members from different faiths:
Councillor Asghar Shah (Group D) recommended an Islamic faith member Councillor Abdul Kadir (Group D) recommended a Sikh faith member Christine McMillan (Group A) recommended a Hindu faith member Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Group B) recommended a Buddhist faith member
It was agreed that the Clerk would follow up with these prospective members.
Non-attending Members
Members who have missed three meetings will be contacted by the Clerk to confirm their continued interest.
Training Opportunities
Chris May reminded members that SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, giving free access to training sessions. The Clerk will circulate details of upcoming sessions.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Reappointed Barbara Spiegelhalter (Group A) for a term of 4 years.
b) Appointed Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Group B) for a term of 4 years.
c) Noted the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of the Membership and Member Training Report and asks the Local Authority to approach nominating bodies for representatives.
d) Noted that SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions free of charge and that members should take advantage of this opportunity.
Membership
Chris May outlined the current membership and structure of SACRE.
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, presented the following recommendations to the SACRE:
Reappoint Barbara Spiegelhalter (Humanism - Group A) for a term of four years. Appoint Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Anglican Cathedral - Group B) for a term of four years.
The SACRE unanimously agreed to both recommendations. Revd Sam Duddles thanked Barbara for her continued service and welcomed Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens as a new member.
Chris May highlighted vacancies listed in section 4 of the report. The Clerk is contacting nominating bodies to fill these roles. SACRE members were invited to suggest suitable candidates.
The following suggestions were made of potential new members from different faiths:
Councillor Asghar Shah (Group D) recommended an Islamic faith member Councillor Abdul Kadir (Group D) recommended a Sikh faith member Christine McMillan (Group A) recommended a Hindu faith member Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Group B) recommended a Buddhist faith member
It was agreed that the Clerk would follow up with these prospective members.
Non-attending Members
Members who have missed three meetings will be contacted by the Clerk to confirm their continued interest.
Training Opportunities
Chris May reminded members that SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, giving free access to training sessions. The Clerk will circulate details of upcoming sessions.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Reappointed Barbara Spiegelhalter (Group A) for a term of 4 years.
b) Appointed Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens (Group B) for a term of 4 years.
c) Noted the membership vacancies set out in paragraph 4 of the Membership and Member Training Report and asks the Local Authority to approach nominating bodies for representatives.
d) Noted that SACRE has subscribed to NASACRE for the current academic year, that this allows members to attend its training sessions free of charge and that members should take advantage of this opportunity.
8
SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025
Purpose
This report provides the SACRE with an opportunity to agree its Annual Report for the academic year 2024-2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE:
a) Adopts the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025.
b) Recommends that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2024-25 by 31 December 2025.
c) Makes a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.
This report provides the SACRE with an opportunity to agree its Annual Report for the academic year 2024-2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE:
a) Adopts the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025.
b) Recommends that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2024-25 by 31 December 2025.
c) Makes a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.
Attachments:
- Document Portsmouth SACRE Annual Report 2024-5 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair expressed thanks to all members for their contributions to the Annual Report.
Chris May, Professional Adviser, confirmed that the Annual Report for the academic year 2024-2025 had been prepared and circulated with the agenda pack. Following endorsement by the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on 16 December 2025, the report will be sent to the DfE, NASACRE, the Director of Children’s Services in Portsmouth, and other relevant bodies. It will also be published on the SACRE page of the Portsmouth City Council website.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Adopted the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025.
b) Recommended that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025 by 31 December 2025.
c) Make a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.
Chris May, Professional Adviser, confirmed that the Annual Report for the academic year 2024-2025 had been prepared and circulated with the agenda pack. Following endorsement by the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on 16 December 2025, the report will be sent to the DfE, NASACRE, the Director of Children’s Services in Portsmouth, and other relevant bodies. It will also be published on the SACRE page of the Portsmouth City Council website.
RESOLVED that SACRE:
a) Adopted the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025.
b) Recommended that the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education notes the SACRE Annual Report 2024-2025 by 31 December 2025.
c) Make a copy available for public inspection (on the Portsmouth City Council website) and sends a copy to the Secretary of State for Education and relevant organisations listed in Appendix B of the report.
9
Collective Worship Guidance
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to present SACRE with the updated guidance for Collective Worship as requested at the previous SACRE meeting on 2nd July 2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE adopts the guidance on Collective Worship.
The purpose of this report is to present SACRE with the updated guidance for Collective Worship as requested at the previous SACRE meeting on 2nd July 2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE adopts the guidance on Collective Worship.
Attachments:
- Document Collective Worship Guidance Report 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, introduced the report and noted that wording in point 6 had been revised following discussion at the previous SACRE meeting on 2 July 2025.
The following discussions and questions then took place:
James Newsam (Group C) asked who is responsible for collective worship -headteachers or governors? Chris explained that responsibility depends on the type of school:
· For Local Authority schools, governors hold responsibility, with headteachers ensuring compliance.
· For academies, the board of trustees is responsible.
Chris asked if SACRE wanted the wording amended. Taki Jaffer (Group D) suggested adding the phrase “subject to the type of school”, which Revd Sam Duddles, SACRE Chair, agreed to. Chris confirmed he would include this change.
· Sue Bowen (Group B) asked about Church Schools. Chris proposed adding an additional paragraph with SACRE’s agreement. Sue recommended deferring adoption of the Collective Worship Guidance until wording is revised, with a view to adopting it at the next meeting. Chris agreed.
RESOLVED that SACRE review and amend the Collective Worship
Guidance with a view to adopting the guidance at the next meeting.
The following discussions and questions then took place:
James Newsam (Group C) asked who is responsible for collective worship -headteachers or governors? Chris explained that responsibility depends on the type of school:
· For Local Authority schools, governors hold responsibility, with headteachers ensuring compliance.
· For academies, the board of trustees is responsible.
Chris asked if SACRE wanted the wording amended. Taki Jaffer (Group D) suggested adding the phrase “subject to the type of school”, which Revd Sam Duddles, SACRE Chair, agreed to. Chris confirmed he would include this change.
· Sue Bowen (Group B) asked about Church Schools. Chris proposed adding an additional paragraph with SACRE’s agreement. Sue recommended deferring adoption of the Collective Worship Guidance until wording is revised, with a view to adopting it at the next meeting. Chris agreed.
RESOLVED that SACRE review and amend the Collective Worship
Guidance with a view to adopting the guidance at the next meeting.
10
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 15th October 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 15th October 2025.
RECOMMENDED that SACRE notes the findings of the Monitoring Group meeting
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Monitoring Group Report 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, reported that the SACRE Monitoring Group met on 15 October 2025 and received updates on:
RE Professional Education Effectiveness of RE and Collective Worship SACRE Annual Report Review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, thanked Chris for his report and updates.
RESOLVED that SACRE noted the findings of the Monitoring Group.
RE Professional Education Effectiveness of RE and Collective Worship SACRE Annual Report Review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, thanked Chris for his report and updates.
RESOLVED that SACRE noted the findings of the Monitoring Group.
11
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 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 SACRE notes the report.
Attachments:
- Document SACRE Key Local and National Matters report 04 Nov 2025
Minutes
Chris May, Professional Adviser, introduced the report circulated with the agenda pack and highlighted the following:
The report was produced before the DfE Curriculum and Assessment Report had been published and Chris wanted to make the SACRE aware of this. RE:ONLINE provides a yearly calendar of major religious and non-religious festivals, helpful for schools and SACRE members. It can be accessed here: Festival Calendar - RE:ONLINE Culham St Gabriel’s Trust funded a national study by Professor Jasjit Singh (Leeds University) on teaching Sikhi in RE. The report, launched online in September 2025, reviews current practice and recommends creating a national resource bank for teachers. The link is available here:
The University of Leeds - Culham St Gabriel's. Revd Sam Duddles, SACRE Chair, and Chris May, Professional Adviser, provided the following updates: NASACRE has issued guidance for Local Authorities undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and shared a timeline document with SACRE. The newly formed Local Authority, expected in April 2028, will need to adopt the Locally Agreed Syllabus. This impacts the Agreed Syllabus Conference’s plan, as the review will take 18 months. SACRE can either postpone the review until after devolution or follow Hampshire SACRE’s approach: a lighter-touch review. This would update out-of-date information and incorporate the new Ofsted Framework to ensure the syllabus remains fit for purpose if adopted by the new authority. The Monitoring Group could consider this approach, and an additional SACRE meeting may be called in March 2026. Chris will meet with Justine Ball, Professional Adviser to Hampshire, and advisers for Southampton, and Isle of Wight SACREs, to coordinate a consistent light-touch review across all Local Authorities. RE Hubs offers resources and updates for the RE community, plus free monthly training for school speakers and hosts. Details: Register as a school speaker There are also free CPD sessions for RE leaders:
20 November, 4 pm: Focus on RE and the environment, with speakers sharing projects. 4 December, 4 pm: Training for new RE leaders. Both events are free
Interfaith Week runs from 9-16 November 2025. Resources, posters, and planning ideas are available here: Inter Faith Week. NASACRE, the national body for SACREs, shares newsletters and training resources. Past presentations and exercises are here: Presentations & Recordings - NASACRE. The SACRE has subscribed to this year’s training programme: NASACRE on-line Webinar 2025-26. The London Jewish Museum offers free festival broadcasts and school resources JM_School-Programme-2025.pdf. Upcoming festivals include Chanukah on 9 December at 9:30 am and Passover on 17 March 2026 at 9:30 am. AULRE continues its free webinar series for 2025-26. The next session is on 4 December, 5-6:30 pm, led by Justine Ball and Professor Susan Docherty, exploring exile, movement, and welcome in Jewish and Christian scriptures and their use in RE teaching. An open letter published in August 2025 warns that only 21 UK universities may offer Theology and Religious Studies degrees in future. Read it here: Safeguarding Theology & Religious Studies in higher education: an open letter - Theos Think Tank - Understanding faith. Enriching society. NATRE summarises Ofsted’s new framework (from November 2025) and its impact on RE, highlighting its role in SMSC and community cohesion. Details: Ofsted’s new 2025 inspection framework and toolkit: what it means for RE? – NATRE The RE teacher training bursary will end in 2026. REC’s response is here: Future of Religious Education threatened by decision to remove teacher trainee bursary – REC
In response to the information provided, Taki Jaffer (Group D) asked if the University of Portsmouth provided a PGCE teacher training course specialising in Secondary RE. Victoria Nash (observer and prospective Group C member) informed the SACRE there is a now a PGCE teacher training course in Primary Education which can be undertaken at the University of Portsmouth. Kari Laing (Group C) agreed and advised while it is in primary education, trainee teachers can choose to specialise in RE.
RESOLVED that SACRE notes the report.
The report was produced before the DfE Curriculum and Assessment Report had been published and Chris wanted to make the SACRE aware of this. RE:ONLINE provides a yearly calendar of major religious and non-religious festivals, helpful for schools and SACRE members. It can be accessed here: Festival Calendar - RE:ONLINE Culham St Gabriel’s Trust funded a national study by Professor Jasjit Singh (Leeds University) on teaching Sikhi in RE. The report, launched online in September 2025, reviews current practice and recommends creating a national resource bank for teachers. The link is available here:
The University of Leeds - Culham St Gabriel's. Revd Sam Duddles, SACRE Chair, and Chris May, Professional Adviser, provided the following updates: NASACRE has issued guidance for Local Authorities undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and shared a timeline document with SACRE. The newly formed Local Authority, expected in April 2028, will need to adopt the Locally Agreed Syllabus. This impacts the Agreed Syllabus Conference’s plan, as the review will take 18 months. SACRE can either postpone the review until after devolution or follow Hampshire SACRE’s approach: a lighter-touch review. This would update out-of-date information and incorporate the new Ofsted Framework to ensure the syllabus remains fit for purpose if adopted by the new authority. The Monitoring Group could consider this approach, and an additional SACRE meeting may be called in March 2026. Chris will meet with Justine Ball, Professional Adviser to Hampshire, and advisers for Southampton, and Isle of Wight SACREs, to coordinate a consistent light-touch review across all Local Authorities. RE Hubs offers resources and updates for the RE community, plus free monthly training for school speakers and hosts. Details: Register as a school speaker There are also free CPD sessions for RE leaders:
20 November, 4 pm: Focus on RE and the environment, with speakers sharing projects. 4 December, 4 pm: Training for new RE leaders. Both events are free
Interfaith Week runs from 9-16 November 2025. Resources, posters, and planning ideas are available here: Inter Faith Week. NASACRE, the national body for SACREs, shares newsletters and training resources. Past presentations and exercises are here: Presentations & Recordings - NASACRE. The SACRE has subscribed to this year’s training programme: NASACRE on-line Webinar 2025-26. The London Jewish Museum offers free festival broadcasts and school resources JM_School-Programme-2025.pdf. Upcoming festivals include Chanukah on 9 December at 9:30 am and Passover on 17 March 2026 at 9:30 am. AULRE continues its free webinar series for 2025-26. The next session is on 4 December, 5-6:30 pm, led by Justine Ball and Professor Susan Docherty, exploring exile, movement, and welcome in Jewish and Christian scriptures and their use in RE teaching. An open letter published in August 2025 warns that only 21 UK universities may offer Theology and Religious Studies degrees in future. Read it here: Safeguarding Theology & Religious Studies in higher education: an open letter - Theos Think Tank - Understanding faith. Enriching society. NATRE summarises Ofsted’s new framework (from November 2025) and its impact on RE, highlighting its role in SMSC and community cohesion. Details: Ofsted’s new 2025 inspection framework and toolkit: what it means for RE? – NATRE The RE teacher training bursary will end in 2026. REC’s response is here: Future of Religious Education threatened by decision to remove teacher trainee bursary – REC
In response to the information provided, Taki Jaffer (Group D) asked if the University of Portsmouth provided a PGCE teacher training course specialising in Secondary RE. Victoria Nash (observer and prospective Group C member) informed the SACRE there is a now a PGCE teacher training course in Primary Education which can be undertaken at the University of Portsmouth. Kari Laing (Group C) agreed and advised while it is in primary education, trainee teachers can choose to specialise in RE.
RESOLVED that SACRE notes the report.
12
Locally Agreed Syllabus Review
Chris May, Professional Adviser to SACRE invites members of the SACRE to discuss and ask questions in relation to the Locally Agreed Syllabus Review.
Minutes
Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair and Chris May, Professional Adviser informed the SACRE of the following updates related to the Locally Agreed Syllabus Review:
NASACRE have issued guidance on Local Authorities who are going through Local Government Reorganisation and shared a document detailing the timeline of this transition with SACRE. The newly formed Local Authority based on the timeline given (April 2028) will need to adopt the Locally Agreed Syllabus. This impacts the Agreed Syllabus Conference’s plan, as the review will take 18 months. SACRE can either postpone the review until after devolution or follow Hampshire SACRE’s approach; a lighter-touch review. This would update out-of-date information and incorporate the new Ofsted Framework to ensure the syllabus remains fit for purpose if adopted by the new authority. The Monitoring Group could consider this approach, and an additional SACRE meeting may be called in March 2026 to approve the syllabus. Chris will meet with Justine Ball, Professional Adviser to Hampshire SACRE, and advisers for Southampton, and Isle of Wight SACREs, to coordinate a consistent light-touch review across all Local Authorities.
In response to the updates, the following points were noted:
Taki Jaffer (Group D) supported a light-touch review with a meeting in March as a balanced approach. Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, agreed, noting the current syllabus is strong and Portsmouth SACRE should follow Hampshire’s lead. SACRE members endorsed Chris’s recommendations.
Actions:
i. Carry out a light-touch review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus in response to Local Government Reorganisation.
ii. Discuss the review at the next Monitoring Group meeting.
iii. Schedule an additional SACRE meeting in March 2026.
NASACRE have issued guidance on Local Authorities who are going through Local Government Reorganisation and shared a document detailing the timeline of this transition with SACRE. The newly formed Local Authority based on the timeline given (April 2028) will need to adopt the Locally Agreed Syllabus. This impacts the Agreed Syllabus Conference’s plan, as the review will take 18 months. SACRE can either postpone the review until after devolution or follow Hampshire SACRE’s approach; a lighter-touch review. This would update out-of-date information and incorporate the new Ofsted Framework to ensure the syllabus remains fit for purpose if adopted by the new authority. The Monitoring Group could consider this approach, and an additional SACRE meeting may be called in March 2026 to approve the syllabus. Chris will meet with Justine Ball, Professional Adviser to Hampshire SACRE, and advisers for Southampton, and Isle of Wight SACREs, to coordinate a consistent light-touch review across all Local Authorities.
In response to the updates, the following points were noted:
Taki Jaffer (Group D) supported a light-touch review with a meeting in March as a balanced approach. Revd Sam Duddles (Group B), SACRE Chair, agreed, noting the current syllabus is strong and Portsmouth SACRE should follow Hampshire’s lead. SACRE members endorsed Chris’s recommendations.
Actions:
i. Carry out a light-touch review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus in response to Local Government Reorganisation.
ii. Discuss the review at the next Monitoring Group meeting.
iii. Schedule an additional SACRE meeting in March 2026.
13
Dates and Venues of Future Meetings
The next meeting will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 11 March 2026, venue TBC.
Future Dates:
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 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 date and venues of future meetings are as follows:
Wednesday 11 March 2026 - Venue TBC
Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Venue TBC
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - Venue TBC
Wednesday 11 March 2026 - Venue TBC
Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Venue TBC
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - Venue TBC
Previous Meetings
Future Meetings
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