Religious Education (RE)

At Barnes Farm Primary School, we recognise and respect the legal right of parents to withdraw their child from Religious Education (RE). RE is an important part of our curriculum, contributing to pupils' personal development, understanding of diverse beliefs, and preparation for life in modern Britain; however, parents retain the right to request that their child is excused from some or all RE lessons, in accordance under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. 

Parental Right to Withdraw  

We recognise that parents may withdraw their child from RE without needing to provide a reason. To support parents in our community, our aim is to ensure that parents are informed about the content and purpose of the RE curriculum before making a final decision.   

We seek to:  

• Make parents fully aware of their right to withdraw their child from RE.  

• Ensure families understand the educational aims and nature of the RE curriculum, so decisions can be made on an informed basis.  

• Continue to offer an inclusive curriculum that supports pupils’ development.  

Withdrawal from RE does not apply to discussions of religion in other curriculum subjects such as History or English, where references to belief systems may naturally occur.   

Withdrawal Procedure  

If a parent wishes to withdraw their child from RE, the following process should be followed:  

Initial Contact  
Parents should contact the headteacher, either in writing or in person, stating whether they seek full or partial withdrawal.   

Informal Meeting  
Parents will be invited to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This discussion allows us to:  

• explore any concerns  

• share information about the RE curriculum  

• clarify any practical implications of withdrawal  

This meeting is recommended to ensure the decision is fully informed, although parents may formally withdraw without providing an explanation.  

Written Confirmation  
The school will confirm arrangements in writing once a decision has been agreed.  

Supervision and Alternative Arrangements  

When a child is withdrawn from RE:  

• The school remains responsible for supervising them.  

• The school is not required to provide additional teaching or incur extra costs.  

• Pupils may work quietly in another supervised space, such as another classroom or designated area, for the duration of the RE lesson.  

Further Information  

If you are considering withdrawal or would like to discuss the RE curriculum in more detail, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the headteacher. 

We are committed to ensuring that all decisions are respected and that children continue to feel included, safe, and supported within our school community.