Agenda and minutes

Members noted the resignation of Chris Davis and thanked him for his service to Sacre over the years.  Members welcomed the Matthew Stone from the Salvation Army.  Apologies were received from Claire Wikley, Joyce Wan and Councillor Wood.

It was noted that the Chair was in attendance virtually and that for the purposes of items requiring a vote the vice – chair Suzzane Underwood would lead the meeting.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2023, attached.

Sacre Members approved the minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2023.

To consider and updated version of the local advice document as attached.

Members considered the draft advice document attached to the papers and thanked the working team for preparing it.  It was noted that adjustments may still be required in regard to the advice on wearing a kirpan and that the document would be finalised and presented to the next meeting.

Following the approval of the Self evaluation form to consider an action plan for SACRE, to be circulated.

Members noted that following the approval of the Self Evaluation Document the circulated action plan addressed the aspect where SACRE needed to focus in the forthcoming year.

To discuss and review the Local Constitution of SACRE, to be circulated.

Members considered and noted the draft constitution that was circulated.  Questions were raised in relationship to the membership status of the Southampton City Mission and it was agreed that further discussions should take place with the organisation to determine this.  In addition it was agreed that the Group A would be split into two sections “Christian Denominations” and “Other World Views”.   

SACRE members noted that the constitution would be presented to the City’s Cabinet to approve in the new year and delegated to the Council’s Governance and Leadership Adviser to amend the constitution in the light of these discussions.

To receive a presentation detailing how the Locally Agreed Syllabus has been enacted in City schools.

Member received a presentation from Lucy Hepinstall on how the locally agreed syllabus had been implemented within her school.  SACRE were informed of how the school lessons and timetabling were supported by the syllabus and how the principles set in its golden threads were embedded within the school’s lesson plans across the age groups. 

The concept of pondering time was introduced and explained as a method to consider religious ideas and how they affected aspects of pupils lives.  It was noted that both pupils and teachers appreciated and enjoyed how the strands of the syllabus were drawn together. 

SACRE members to consider a draft of the annual report , to be circulated.

Members noted the draft annual report circulated and agreed that the report could be presented to the Department for Education.