Apologies for absence were received from Nina Leigh,Tithra Bhara, Linda Hardy, Marion Roberts, Cllr Mrs Barker and Cllr Gomm. 

Councillor Versallion attended as a Substitute for Councillor Mrs Barker

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 5 October 2011.

(attached)

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2011 be approved as a correct record subject to the recording of Councillor Versallion being present.

Members were invited to consider a report detailing the Annual report of Central Bedfordshire SACRE 2011.  The report outlined the work of SACRE throughout 2011.

Members were advised of the success of the Syllabus Launch held on 2 November at Puteridgebury, Luton.

The next launch would be held on Thursday 19 April at the Forest Centre, Martson Moretaine.  Members were invited to advise the School Improvement Officer of their intention to attend the event.

The Syllabus and a CD was now available on a learning portal.

·        2012 update

·        2013 strategic direction

Members were invited to consider the Central Bedfordshire SACRE Development Plan April 2011 – March 2012.

Following consideration of the work undertaken from April 2011 – March 2012 Members were invited to work within Groups to discuss and focus upon work for SACRE for 2013.

Group A : Expressed an interest in following up on the success of the Agreed Syllabus launch.  This would include the introduction of Planning/Focus Groups.  A suggestion was made that a directory of faiths could be compiled which could work towards forming professional study groups.

Group B :Discussed the importance and ways of ensuring that Acadamy status schools were following the Agreed Syllabus for Religious education.

Group C :Discussed the importance of sharing good practice and Outstanding Practice of the teaching of religious education.  For example, the recording of the teaching of religious education  could be fimed and shown to schools where there are no dedicated religious education teachers.

Elected Members : Discussed the idea of Councillor run assemblies at Secondary schools throughout Central Bedfordshire.

It was agreed that the suggested ideas mentioned in the preamble above, be included within the Development Plan for 2012/13 and that a brief outline of the subsequent actions be circulated to all SACRE memebrs prior to the next meeting.

The  SACRE were advised of the HMD Event Feedback event held on 24 January 2012. The event was hosted by Redbourne Upper School, Ampthill.  The even was a success with an attendance of 80 people and included readings and musical entertainment.  The Chairman recorded her gratitude to Redbourne Upper School for hosting the event and all of the pupils who took part in the event.  The possibility of the event being held at Vandyke School in 2013 was discussed.

• Teacher reference group

• Possible areas of development

The SACRE were advised of the Westhill Awards and in particular the Teacher Reference Group and Possible areas of development.

Members were invited to discuss a membership request made by a Humanist representative.  It was noted that this request had previously been discussed at the meeting held on 16 June 2011.

It was agreed that the Humanist representative be invited to attend and present their case to SACRE at 2.00 p.m on 12 June 2012.

Members were invited to elect a Chair of each Group as follows:

Group A : Moshin Malik

Group B : Tom Waterworth

Group C : Kathleen Eldridge

Group D : Councillor D Lawrence.