The NSW Education Department has tightened its processes surrounding parental consent for prayer groups in public schools to ensure they align with departmental policies. The content of prayer groups and special religious education classes is monitored by the department and deemed non-controversial. A spokesperson for the department stated that the prayer group at question was and continues to be monitored by four school staff members. Public schools have the option of allowing prayer groups as a voluntary religious activity with approval from the principal, separate from special religious education.
In response to concerns about extremist ideologies being spread in school prayer groups, the Department of Education issued new guidelines in March 2015, mandating that principals obtain parental permission before students could participate in these groups. Following allegations of radicalization at Epping Boys High and the involvement of a student in the murder of NSW police employee Curtis Cheng, then-premier Mike Baird initiated a statewide audit of prayer groups. Some schools were found to be lacking in obtaining parental permission for participation in these groups.
In late 2015, the NSW Education Department instructed schools to take immediate action to ensure proper procedures were being implemented for prayer groups. Concerns were raised by the father of a former Parramatta High School student, who had gone to Syria to fight for an Islamist rebel group, regarding exposure to fundamentalist beliefs in prayer groups. The department dismissed the allegations as unfounded. Despite this, one anonymous Sydney principal stated that various prayer groups are available at their school to cater to the community’s needs, with parental consent always being obtained.
In 2022, a parent named Daoud raised concerns after not being informed of his child’s participation in a prayer group at their school. The NSW Education Department reviewed and updated procedures, requiring schools to monitor the content of activities, ensure all students have parental permission, and maintain attendance registers. After the fatal shooting of Curtis Cheng in 2015, the NSW government implemented a $47 million program to counter violent extremism, which included a schools initiative. This program, School Communities Working Together, has since evolved to focus on supporting vulnerable and at-risk students in areas such as wellbeing, attendance, and behavior.
Overall, the NSW Education Department has taken steps to tighten procedures and ensure compliance with departmental policies regarding parental consent for prayer groups in public schools. The issue of potential radicalization and exposure to extremist beliefs in these groups has prompted audits and guidelines to safeguard students in school settings. The department continues to work closely with external agencies and community groups to support vulnerable students and promote a safe and inclusive educational environment.
