Overview

This bill amends the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to change the rules around assemblies in state schools in England. It removes the requirement for daily collective worship in non-religious schools and replaces it with a daily assembly focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education.

Description

The bill mandates daily assemblies in English state schools without a religious character. These assemblies must prioritize spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, regardless of religious belief. Acts of worship are prohibited, except for voluntary, student-led sessions where parental consent is required for under-16s. The bill also amends related legislation to ensure consistency, including provisions for excused attendance from religious observances in schools with a religious character, offering alternative assemblies of equal educational value for those excused.

Key Changes:

• Replaces mandatory daily collective worship with mandatory daily assemblies in non-religious state schools in England.
• Specifies the focus of these assemblies: spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education.
• Allows for voluntary acts of worship with parental consent for under-16s.
• Makes consequential amendments to other relevant education acts to align with the new provisions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The implementation costs, if any, relating to teacher training or resources for assemblies are not detailed in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• State schools in England (non-religious): Required to hold daily assemblies focused on SMSC education.
• Pupils in non-religious schools: Will participate in daily assemblies focusing on SMSC education.
• Pupils in religious schools: Given clearer options to be excused from religious observance, with provision of alternative assemblies.
• Parents/Guardians of pupils under 16: Can request their child's exemption from voluntary acts of worship.
• School staff: Responsible for organizing and conducting the daily assemblies.

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