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Phoenix Infant Academy

The right to withdraw from religious education and/or collective worship

As a school within a Multi-Academy Trust, we follow our Trust’s values and curriculum principles. Religious Education (RE) and collective worship are important parts of our curriculum, helping children develop an understanding of different beliefs, cultures and values in an inclusive and respectful environment.

Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education and/or collective worship. This right applies to pupils in all maintained schools and academies, including those within a Trust.

Before making a decision, we encourage parents to review the RE curriculum and discuss any questions or concerns with the school, so they have a clear understanding of what is taught and how it is delivered. Parents may choose to withdraw their child from the full programme or from specific elements. There is no requirement to provide a reason.

Requests for withdrawal should be made in writing and sent to:
post@phoenixinfants.uk

Important Information

  • If a child is withdrawn from RE or collective worship, the school will ensure they are appropriately supervised. However, the school is not required to provide alternative teaching during this time.
  • Children will usually remain on the school premises and may be asked to work quietly in another supervised area, such as a library or classroom space.
  • Parents should be aware that learning about religions, beliefs, and related themes may also arise in other areas of the curriculum (such as history, PSHE, or discussions about diversity and community). There is no right to withdraw from these aspects.

Managing Withdrawal Requests

The school will comply with all written requests for withdrawal and will continue to do so unless the request is withdrawn by the parent or carer.

Although not a legal requirement, the Headteacher may offer to meet with parents to discuss their request and ensure they are fully informed about the curriculum and the implications of withdrawal.

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