CHECKLIST FOR GOVERNORS AND HEADTEACHERS

Governing bodies and headteachers, like local authorities, must:

• ensure that RE is provided as part of the school’s basic curriculum, following the appropriate syllabus as listed above;
• provide an annual report to parents or carers giving brief particulars of progress and achievements in all subjects including RE (Regulation 6 of the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005, SI 2005/1437).

 

The following questions might form the basis of a discussion between headteachers governors and those responsible for teaching RE in the school:

• Do all pupils make progress in achieving the learning objectives of the RE curriculum?
• Is RE well led and effectively managed?
• Are standards, achievement and quality of provision in RE regularly and effectively self-evaluated?
• Are those teaching RE suitably qualified and trained in the subject? Do they have regular and effective opportunities for CPD?
• Are teachers aware of RE’s contribution to developing pupils’ understanding of religion and belief and its impact as part of the duty to promote community cohesion?
• Where appropriate, do pupils have opportunities to take courses leading to an accredited qualification in the subject?
• Is clear information provided for parents on the RE curriculum and the right to withdraw?
• Are teachers aware that they do not have to teach RE?
• Is RE resourced, staffed and timetabled in a way that means the school can fulfil its legal obligations on RE and pupils can make good progress?
• Where there are insufficient teachers in a school who are prepared to teach RE, does the headteacher ensure that pupils receive their RE entitlement?

 

See also: F12 Guidance: Advice for Governors on RE & collective worship