Overview

This bill aims to replace mandatory daily collective worship in state schools in England without a designated religious character with a daily assembly focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education for all pupils, regardless of their beliefs. It ensures that voluntary acts of worship can still occur but are not school-organized.

Description

Key Changes:

The bill amends the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, removing the requirement for daily collective worship in non-religious state schools in England. Instead, it mandates daily assemblies promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Voluntary acts of worship are permitted, with parental opt-out rights for those under 16. The bill also makes consequential amendments to other related Acts and Regulations to ensure consistency and clarity.

Schools Affected:

The bill specifically applies to maintained schools, non-maintained special schools, City Technology Colleges, and academies in England that do not have a designated religious character.

Parental Rights:

Parents or guardians of pupils under 16 can request that their children not participate in any voluntary acts of worship.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The changes primarily involve a shift in school assembly practices rather than a substantial increase or decrease in funding. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Pupils: Will experience a change in daily school routine, with collective worship replaced by assemblies focusing on broader educational values.
• Schools (non-religious): Will need to adapt their daily schedule and assembly content to comply with the new requirements.
• Teachers: Will need to plan and deliver assemblies that are inclusive and meet the bill's objectives.
• Parents/Guardians: Will have the right to withdraw their children under 16 from voluntary acts of worship.
• Religious Groups: May have varying views on the replacement of mandatory collective worship.

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