SACRE Collective Worship Guidance

Appendix 2: Possible Structure for a Collective Worship Policy Document

It is important for every school to develop a policy for collective worship which clearly explains the school's interpretation of the law, how the collective worship which the school will provide will enrich the quality of the education provided for pupils and how the school has planned for its delivery.

The experience of discussing and developing a policy document within a school ensures shared understanding about the value of collective worship and shared commitment to the delivery of quality collective worship within the school.

A Policy Document on collective worship should contain:

1. An Introduction
   
   This is recognition of the Legal Requirements within which the school's provision is made.
   
   
2. The school's philosophy on collective worship and interpretation of the law
   
   
   Links with the school's aims/mission statement.
   Aims for collective worship within the school.
   Links with other whole-school policies.
   
   
3. How collective worship is organised within the school
   
   
   Management responsibility
   Timings/groupings and rationale
   Content and range of experiences to be offered
   Pupil involvement
   Reflection/response
   Use of visitors
   Recording and monitoring/evaluation system
   Resources and their management
   
   
4. Collective Worship development plan
   
   
   How does the school wish to develop collective worship? (e.g. more pupil participation)
   Training/support for staff
   
   

A collective worship policy should be shared with and agreed by the Governing Body who share responsibility for ensuring that the law is met with the headteacher.