Withdrawal from R.E.

• RE is intended to be suitable for all pupils in the county's schools. It benefits pupils by increasing their understanding and awareness of other people and their ability to respect the rights of others even where they disagree with their views. It contributes to pupils' spiritual, moral and ethical development. It is designed to be of educational worth to pupils from any or no religious background.
• Very occasionally a parent may wish to exercise the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE. In this case the school might wish to try to discuss the matter with the parents (a) to make sure that their request is based on a clear understanding of what RE involves, and (b) to make practical arrangements for the supervision of the child.
• It is a legal requirement that the right of withdrawal should be mentioned in the school brochure. Most teachers similarly may exercise the right of withdrawal but in such a case schools must ensure that provision is made for all pupils to receive the RE that is their entitlement.
• Further information may be obtained from DfE Circular 1/94 on the DfES website or from the Adviser for Religious Education, Sue Ward, on 01480 375881 or at susan.ward@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

 Withdrawal from Collective Worship

Collective worship contributes to the life of the school and all its members by giving opportunities for reflection, contributing to personal, spiritual growth and the development of an awareness of community.

• It is an expression of the ethos and shared life of the school community. The school will wish to ensure that collective worship is conducted in such a way that children's participation in acts of worship such as prayer is invited and voluntary rather than expected without questioning. Worship should be planned to be appropriate to the age, aptitude and family backgrounds of all pupils.
• Occasionally a parent may wish to exercise the right to withdraw their children from collective worship. In this case the school may wish to try to discuss the matter with parents to make sure their request is based on a clear understanding of what school worship involves and also to make arrangements for the supervision of the child.
• Teachers have similar rights but would, if they exercised them, miss out on the sense of community generated by effective collective worship.
• It is a legal requirement that the right of withdrawal should be mentioned in the school brochure.
• Further information is available in DfE Circular 1/94 on the DfES website or from the Adviser for Religious Education, Sue Ward, on 01480 375881 or at susan.ward@cambridgeshire.gov.uk