Ofsted’s ‘Deep and meaningful? The religious education subject report’ highlights need for urgent subject support.
We note the publication of this report, which has been long-awaited by the RE community. We welcome the assertion that high-quality religious education is an entitlement for every young person in every school. The report recognises the potential that religious education has in ‘preparing pupils to engage in a multi-religious and multi-secular world’. However, it laments the fact that, over the last 10 years, little has changed to turn this potential into a reality.
In many schools across England, children and young people do not have access to high-quality RE. Strong teacher subject knowledge, access to professional development, regular time for RE lessons and a well-organised curriculum are key factors identified as enabling high-quality RE. The report gives schools an unequivocal reminder that it continues to be their duty to make this provision.
It notes as a significant concern that the majority of teachers had not received subject-based professional development, and points out that Government has failed to make provision for a coherent approach to the subject, or an infrastructure to support it. For many years the subject has been underfunded, and the teacher training bursary has only recently been restored, thanks to concerted campaigning from RE associations. We share the view that there needs to be serious attention and support given to reverse the fortunes of religious education in our schools.
The Religious Education Council of England and Wales brings together a wide range of organisations with involvement in the subject, including faith and belief bodies, and associations for teachers and for professionals involved in teacher training and university education. Together we campaign and advocate for high-quality religious education for every young person.
You can read Ofsted’s full report here.