Does your community secondary school have a Collective Worship policy?

[elusiveEightHours]

So I know Collective Worship is a statutory requirement, even in non-faith community schools. But as most schools I look at don't seem to have a policy for it I'm assuming it's not necessary to have a policy - yes?

But if your school does have one, is it worded in a way that is inclusive of everyone, including non-Christians and those of no faith?

I know many teachers and parents don't like the statutory requirement, so I'm wondering how schools manage the various issues. Our school does have a policy, and the wording is okay, but I think it could be better.

Anybody?

Our local high school prides itself on having a weekly faith based event, not sure if its whole school or done in year groups. But it is C/E if that makes any difference

I don't think they do - dcs are atheist and get annoyed with religion being forced on them - they'd moan like hell about it - it certainly would not improve their opinion of religion.

Some schools have them in the Curriculum Policy which is on the web sites (or its supposed to be). It won’t have details about every session but where I am a governor we do give information about withdrawing children. I am not sure if this is a legal requirement but it could be. We also state we welcome everyone to the school.

You say you have a policy but you think it could be better. I would check if the policy meets guidelines (could be agreed syllabus or daily act of worship guidelines) and then ask the Head about it. If you are a parent, do remember it is not your policy.

Are you a Governor? If you review your policies, when is it up for review? You have to take the Head’s professional view into account and any advice on writing the policy may have been given by the LA so it’s pretty standard and meets requirements.