Agenda item

Members considered the report of the Specialist Inspector for Religious Education which was the RE Inspector Report for the Spring Term 2016 (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

The report looked at the following:-

·       Durham RE Networks

·       Teaching RE in PPA Time

·       The New GCSEs

·       GCSE RE Conference

·       Teaching Christianity

·       Agreed Syllabus

·       National Documents on Religious Education

·       GCSE Religious Studies Questionnaire Analysis

Members discussed the contents of the report.

C Spencer sought clarification if schools have to pay for a delegate to attend the Durham RE Networks. The Specialist Inspector for Religious Education indicated that if the school had a service level agreement then there was no charge. If no agreement was in place it would cost £80 per delegate.

Councillor Dixon sought clarification about academies that had not bought a service level agreement. The Specialist Inspector for Religious Education responded that the Education Development Service work with any type of school (maintained/academy) who have bought a service level agreement.

S Baker referred to Teaching Assistants who deliver RE in PPA time, in particular that a different way should be found to ensure qualified teachers deliver RE. Members then discussed the role of Teaching Assistants and RE related support that can be considered for them in this role. Members discussed this issue in detail and the Chairman suggested that this could be discussed as a discussion topic at the next meeting.

Resolved: That the report be noted.