Collective worship policy
The following is intended as a model outline policy that schools can use as a starting point when devising or revising their own policy.
The aim of the collective worship policy is to provide the opportunity for pupils to:
- worship God
- reflect on values that are of a broadly Christian nature and on their own beliefs
- develop a community spirit, a common ethos and shared values
- consider spiritual and moral issues
- respond to the worship offered.
Statutory Duty of School
All maintained schools provide daily collective worship for registered pupils (apart from those who have been withdrawn by their parents). This is usually provided within a daily assembly.
The head teacher is responsible (under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998) for arranging the daily collective worship after consulting with the governing body. Daily collective worship must be wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character. The precise nature will depend on the family background, ages and abilities of the pupils. However, if it is inappropriate for some or all of the pupils to take part in Christian collective worship, the head teacher may apply to the local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) for a determination to have this requirement lifted.
Collective worship in foundation schools with a
religious character and voluntary schools will be in accordance with the
school's trust deed. Where provision is not made by a trust deed, the
worship should be in accordance with the beliefs of the religion or
denomination specified for the school.
Implementation
Collective worship, whether in assembly or tutor time, will:
- be acceptable to the whole community, staff and pupils
- include a variety of elements at different times
- involve the pupils.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Review
The school will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the school.
