§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority is taking regarding the monitoring of agreed syllabuses for religious education in response to his letter to Sir Ron Dearing of 29 September.
§ Mr. Robin SquireWe understand that SCAA is already discussing with the local education authorities whose revised syllabuses were analysed earlier this year what amendments might be necessary to reflect more precisely the detailed statutory requirements for RE. Following the issue next year of the Department's revised circular of guidance and national models for agreed syllabuses in RE, SCAA will be monitoring the revision of locally agreed syllabuses in response to section 256 of the Education Act 1993.
§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the preparation of model agreed syllabuses for religious education currently being drafted by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe School Curriculum and Assessment Authority is working with representatives of the Christian and other faith communities and with teachers to draw up model agreed syllabuses. Wide consultation on draft models is due to begin in the new year, with a view to publishing final versions in the summer.