Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

As a Church of England school, Cuckney C of E primary School is committed to providing high-quality Religious Education (RE) that reflects the Christian foundation of our school while respecting the diverse beliefs of all pupils and families.

RE at our school is inclusive, educational, and rooted in the Christian ethos of the Church of England. It aims to help children explore faith, values, and worldviews in a respectful and thoughtful way. However, we recognise and uphold the legal right of parents and carers to withdraw their child from RE, either wholly or in part, as outlined in the Education Act 1996 and the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Your Legal Right

Parents/carers may:

• Withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons.
• Request alternative religious education, provided it does not interfere with school attendance or incur additional costs.

This right exists regardless of the school’s religious designation and is respected in all Church of England schools.

How to Make a Request

If you are considering withdrawal:

1. Please contact the Headteacher to arrange a discussion.
2. Submit a written request specifying whether the withdrawal is full or partial.
3. The school will keep a record of the request and review it annually.

We encourage parents to meet with the Headteacher to:

• Understand the RE curriculum and its aims.
• Discuss any specific concerns.
• Explore how the school can best accommodate the request.

During Withdrawal

• Pupils withdrawn from RE will be supervised appropriately.
• The school is not required to provide alternative teaching or incur extra costs.
• Parents may provide suitable materials for their child to use during RE sessions.

Our Ethos

While RE contributes to the Christian character of our school, it is taught in a way that promotes understanding, tolerance, and respect for all faiths and beliefs. We aim to support every child’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

For more information or to discuss a withdrawal request, please contact the Headteacher at 01623842223 or office@cuckney.notts.sch.uk.