LYNBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Provision of Time for Reflection (Religious Observance)
What is Time for Reflection (otherwise known as Religious Observance)?
Religious Observance (RO) is defined for schools in Scotland as: “Community acts which aim to promote the spiritual development of all members of the school community and express and celebrate the shared values of the school community”. (Religious Observance review Group Report 2004). In line with current policy and legislation all Fife Schools are expected to fulfil this statutory requirement through undertaking acts of Religious Observance (RO) as described below. In this guidance, RO is referred to as Time for Reflection (TfR), although other names may be used to describe it.
Time for Reflection in Lynburn Primary School
Lynburn Primary School places high importance on ensuring that TfR is inclusive of a diverse range of faith and belief traditions and reflects both faith and non-faith perspectives. We are proactive in ensuring high quality, pupil, staff and partner led opportunities and events that enable a shared community understanding and celebration of the diversity with TfR.
We work closely with our local church St. Ninian’s and other visiting speakers who support us in planning, delivering and reviewing our TfR programme. We welcome the opportunity to work with a range of partners who represent faith and non-faith groups which reflect and are relatable to the diverse beliefs and values of our school community.
Our school values are: Respect, Resilience, Confidence and Kindness.
Our school vision is:
- To provide opportunities for children to try their best to reach their targets, to realise that making mistakes is an important part of learning and to keep going no matter what
- To create a safe and happy environment where everyone is treated fairly with respect
- To encourage everyone to make healthy and safe choices and take pride in themselves and their achievements
- To have a caring community with children supporting others and helping to keep our planet safe and green
Time for Reflection links to our school vision and values in the following ways:
- Understanding and learning about a diverse range of faith – belief traditions and faith and non-faith perspectives supports us to be promotes a sense of safety and belonging
- Taking opportunities to learn together and from each other also helps us to have unique opportunities to hear from those within our community on how their faith and beliefs influence their daily lives
Opportunities for TfR are provided for our young people in the following ways:
- Assemblies focused on our school, our values and how we reflect these values in our interactions with our wider community, will be held six times per year
- Involvement in community projects to support for example developing the value of charity
- Focused year group, small group or whole school opportunities to develop the young person’s four capacities to be: a successful learner, confident individual, responsible citizen and effective contributor
- Whole school events that celebrate and promote the diverse achievements, cultural heritage and talents of young people e.g. Award ceremonies, sharing assemblies or other family engagements
- Prayer space following the faith needs of the school community
What part does worship play in the school TfR programme?
Our school approach to TfR aligns with the recommendations of the Religious Observance Review Group Report 2004:
“Where…there is a diversity of beliefs and practices, …the appropriate context for an organised act of worship is within the informal curriculum as part of the range of activities offered for example by religions, groups, chaplains and other religious leaders”. (Religious Observance Review Group Report 2004). This may include, for example, lunchtime or after-school activities or events.
We value our partnership with the community at St. Ninian’s Church, Abbeyview. We visit during key times of the year to spend time with the congregation.
Can I withdraw my young person from Time for Reflection/Religious Observance?
Under the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, parents/carers/families do have the right to withdraw their child from Time for Reflection/Religious Observance. Where a request is made, we will work in partnership with families to manage this with sensitivity and understanding.
If you wish to make a request please email: lynburnps.enquiries@fife.gov.uk following receipt of this communication, a member of the school Senior Leadership Team will arrange a meeting with you to explain in more detail our inclusive approach to RO, discuss any implications for withdrawal and to agree suitable arrangements as an alternative where required. Where a young person wishes to undertake religious practice of worship as part of their school day, we will seek to provide facilities which support this.
May 2025
