RE

Right to Withdraw Children from Religious Education

Withdrawal from Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship

At Dean Valley Community Primary School, Religious Education forms an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum and contributes to pupils' understanding of different faiths, beliefs, cultures and worldviews. Religious Education is taught in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus.

Parents have the statutory right, under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to request that their child be wholly or partly withdrawn from:

• Religious Education (RE)

• Acts of Collective Worship

Parents are not required to give a reason for requesting withdrawal. However, we encourage parents to discuss any concerns with the Headteacher before making a decision so that they have a full understanding of the content, aims and purpose of Religious Education and Collective Worship within the school.

Making a Request

Any request for withdrawal should be made in writing to the Headteacher. The school will acknowledge the request and, where appropriate, offer an opportunity to discuss the arrangements before the withdrawal takes effect.

The school is required to comply with a parental request for withdrawal from Religious Education or Collective Worship and will continue to do so unless the request is formally withdrawn by the parent or carer.

Arrangements for Withdrawn Pupils

Where a pupil is withdrawn from Religious Education or Collective Worship, the school has a duty to supervise the pupil but is not required to provide alternative teaching, make special arrangements or incur additional costs as a result of the withdrawal.

Pupils who are withdrawn will normally remain on the school premises and undertake suitable supervised activities determined by the school.

Important Information

Whilst parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education and Collective Worship, they should be aware that children may still encounter references to religions, religious beliefs, worldviews and cultural traditions in other areas of the curriculum.

There is no right to withdraw pupils from the National Curriculum or from other curriculum subjects where religion, beliefs or worldviews may arise as part of learning. This may include subjects such as:

• History

• Geography

• English

• Art

• Music

• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

• Relationships Education

In addition, pupils may take part in discussions related to religion, belief, culture, diversity, identity and community as part of their wider educational experience. These elements are an important aspect of preparing children for life in modern Britain and promoting understanding, respect and inclusion.

Further Information

If you are considering exercising your right of withdrawal and would like further information about our Religious Education curriculum or Collective Worship arrangements, please contact the Headteacher.

Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998.