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Foundation schools which have an Anglican foundation should keep the legal requirement and comply with the law. The content of worship will be in accordance with the trust deed and religious character of the school, normally according to the rites, practices and principles of the Church in England/Church in Wales.
Guidance can be found in the DfEE Circular 1/94, paras 50-67. Schools with a religious (Anglican) character can seek support for worship from the diocese.
Some parents and staff may not appreciate the requirement to follow Anglican traditions of worship. Foundation schools, like voluntary schools, cannot seek a determination from the local SACRE. This can be avoided by schools providing clear information in the school brochure about the provision for collective worship. The school's policy for collective worship should state how it is to be delivered and be supported by appropriate resources.
The legal framework for collective worship can be found in the Education Act 1996 Part V, Chapter III, sections 385-388.
The law as regards school worship in foundation schools is found in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Part II, Chapter VI, section 70 and Schedule 20 of the same act.
Where a foundation (or voluntary controlled) school has a religious character as defined by the Designation of Schools having a religious character (England) Order 1999, then the programme of worship in that school must reflect the school's religious character. For Anglican schools, therefore, it should reflect the Anglican tradition of school worship.
For schools in these categories that do not have a religious character the worship programme should be worship that is 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character' - Education Act 1996 Part V, Chapter 3, section 386 (2) (see the section on worship in a community school).
Should our worship be Anglican and what does that cover?
The National Society's Inspection Handbook
(National Society, 2000, ISBN: 0715149547, order online
from Church House Publishing) contains a
great deal of information on this issue.
See also Resources - Background
materials for teachers and worship coordinators.
How do we conduct worship in a multi-faith context?
The context can be regarded as providing a positive opportunity to promote greater understanding of each other's faith. Prayers can be introduced sensitively and pupils not invited to jeopardise their integrity.
What is important is that multi-faith worship, with bits and pieces from different religions, should be avoided. Worship in a multi-faith Church school where worship is important can be a very positive contribution to all pupils' spiritual development.
See Open the Door, page 11.
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