The British Humanist Association (BHA) has briefed Peers ahead of the “second reading” debate of the Children, Schools and Families Bill in the House of Lords. The Bill seeks to make a variety of changes to education, including making Personal, Social, Health, Economic (PSHE) education, which includes Sex and Relationships Education, part of the National Curriculum.
The BHA has sent briefings on three key issues of concern: SRE, Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship. In the Commons, MPs were not given time to debate a last-minute Government amendment to the Bill to permit state-funded faith schools to teach SRE in ways heavily skewed towards the religious character of the school. RE and Collective Worship were topics not covered by this new National Curriculum legislation at all.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, said ‘Today’s debate provides opportunity for Peers to comment on the Government’s amendment on SRE, which we believe will create a two-tier system in the provision of the subject between faith schools and community schools.’
‘Peers also have an opportunity to discuss some of the Bill’s conspicuous omissions. The Bill quite sensibly seeks to make PSHE part of the National Curriculum, but it has ignored RE. National Curriculum RE would help to raise standards and address the problem that RE teachers and pupils experience when they move between schools.’
‘There is widespread support for compulsory religious worship to be replaced by inclusive assemblies that focus on shared values. It is disappointing that this issue has not been tackled in this Bill.’
Notes
Read the BHA’s briefings on PSHE, RE and collective worship for Peers, which sets out our position.
For any further questions or information, please contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity representing and supporting the interests of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.