Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting, in particular those who had travelled to attend this in-person meeting.  Important faith observances taking place recently or in the near future were acknowledged, including commemoration of Guru Arjan Dev’s Martyrdom in 1606, and Islamic New Year.

Apologies were noted from Chris Devanny and Abhijeet Kulkarni (Group A), Claire Barber, Pam Acheson, and Lee Talbot (Group B), Mary Lou Byrne (Group C), and Councillors Janet Jefferson, Annabel Wilkinson, and Simon Myers (Group D).

Members to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025 as an accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025 were agreed as an accurate record.

As the Meeting held on 21 April 2026 was inquorate, there were no formal minutes to approve.  However, members present may comment on the accuracy of the informal notes which may serve as a record of the discussion.

The notes of the informal meeting held on 21 April 2026 were agreed as an accurate record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Edward Maxwell, Clerk to North Yorkshire SACRE (contact details below) by midday on Thursday 11 June, three working days before the day of the meeting. Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:

·         at this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes);

·         when the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting.

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

There were no public questions or statements.

Members to hear a presentation from a member of the SACRE on an aspect of their work or faith, to increase awareness and understanding.

SACRE members heard a presentation from Nasr Moussa Emam, in which concerns were raised about the range and balance of RE visits available to schools in some areas, suggesting that access to a broader mix of faith perspectives could be strengthened.  He indicated that a more locally focused approach, potentially involving SACRE members more directly in engagement with schools, might help to address this.

A wider discussion followed, including the role of RE Hubs, local capacity, and practical challenges in delivering school visits across North Yorkshire.  The Professional RE Advisor clarified the supportive role of RE Hubs, including their function in providing training and a level of validation for speakers, which did not replace the role of SACRE members in helping to identify speakers and visitors locally.

Members acknowledged both the value of the RE Hubs framework and the importance of retaining strong local links.  It was noted that geography, cost, and time remain significant constraints for schools, particularly in rural areas of North Yorkshire.

Agreed:  That the presentation be noted.

To inform Members on work undertaken by the Professional RE Adviser since the last SACRE meeting, and to provide members with local and national updates on RE.

The Committee received the report of the Professional RE Adviser, which provided an update on activity since the previous meeting, including local training, national developments, and relevant initiatives within Religious Education.  Members noted the continued delivery of the Primary RE network, which included engagement with external contributors and updates on resources and current developments in RE.  Attention was also drawn to wider initiatives such as Jewish Culture Month, highlighting opportunities for schools to access materials and activities to support teaching and broaden pupils’ understanding of lived religious experience.  The report also outlined national updates, including progress on the curriculum and assessment review.  Information was additionally provided on guidance relating to the role of SACRE members, which was noted as a useful reference and which the Clerk undertook to request.

It was noted that recommendations following the Curriculum and Assessment Review had been submitted to the Secretary of State following consultation and sector consensus, although no formal response or timeline had yet been received.  National concerns regarding the number of entrants to RE teacher training was noted, and the campaigns to promote a career in RE were highlighted and members encouraged to amplify them in their own networks.  It was confirmed that there is currently no set timetable for a decision from the Secretary of State.

Agreed:  That the update be noted.

To inform Members on work undertaken by the Local Authority since the last SACRE meeting.

SACRE members received the Local Authority update outlining work undertaken since the previous meeting, including communication, support for schools, and inspection activity.  Members noted the continued distribution of SACRE communications to schools, including the summer term newsletter and the annual survey.  Officers have also supported arrangements for a ‘test and learn’ school visit and ongoing development planning work.

The report highlighted the Local Authority’s ongoing role in supporting senior leaders and governors, including coordination with the Professional RE Adviser, facilitation of subject leader networks, and the provision of guidance and resources through specialist online pages.  Members additionally noted recent Ofsted inspection activity across North Yorkshire schools, with relevant extracts shared to illustrate examples of practice relating to RE and collective worship.

Agreed:  That the report be noted.

Verbal report to inform members of the results of the Test and Learn Member visits to LA schools, and invite comment from members.

The Committee received a verbal update on the recent primary school “test and learn” visit.  It was noted that a set of questions to support the visit had been agreed in advance.  A written report had not yet been circulated, pending further consideration of the format and purpose of a formal report; a more detailed update will be brought to a future meeting.  Members heard that the visit, undertaken by the Chair and Senior Education Advisor to a primary school in Boroughbridge, had included observation of a Key Stage 1 RE lesson and pupil voice discussions with Year 6 pupils.  The pupil discussions were highlighted as a particularly positive aspect of the visit, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm for RE and an ability to articulate their views, including the value of questioning, reflection, and independent thinking.  It was also noted that the structure of the visit, including sharing questions in advance, had supported a constructive and open dialogue with the school.

The school was described as proactive in its approach to RE, and the visit was considered helpful in providing a rounded understanding of practice, including discussion of the use of external visitors and the practical challenges involved.  Members indicated that there would be value in continuing this approach where possible.  It was confirmed that further visits are planned, including a secondary school visit, with a view to reporting back more fully to SACRE in due course and considering the longer-term approach.

Agreed:  That the update be noted, and future updates be brought back to SACRE for further consideration.

Members to review and comment on the SACRE Development Plan 2024-26.

The Clerk presented the report, advising that it constituted the end of the 2024-26 Development Plan and that a new Plan would be circulated at the next meeting, covering 2026-28.  Members discussed Objective Two, 1.2, and clarified the role of pupil voice in guiding the work of SACRE.  Feedback from the Test and Learn visits and future Member visits would be incorporated into the work of SACRE, to help meet this objective.

Agreed:  That the report be noted.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances

The Chair noted that this was the last meeting at which Olivia Seymour would be present in her role as Professional RE Adviser.  The Chair and all Members present wished to formally express their thanks for her hard work, advice, and guidance which had helped North Yorkshire SACRE carry out its role effectively.  Before serving as Professional RE Adviser, Olivia had also been a member, highlighting her broad and long-lasting contribution to SACRE’s success.

The Chair asked whether SACRE would consider amending the date of the next meeting, on Tuesday 22 September, to Tuesday 29 September.  Members agreed and subject to consultation with those who were not present, this was agreed, and the Clerk undertook to confirm this in writing.