The non-statutory national framework, intended to support and improve RE teaching for pupils from three to 19, was developed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority at the request of the DfES, with major faith and religious education groups across the UK, following consultation earlier this year.
Christianity should be studied at each key stage but Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism should also be included.
The framework also recommends that children have the opportunity to learn about other religious traditions such as Jainism and Zoroastrianism, and secular philosophies such as humanism.
However, the framework is not compulsory and each LEA can decide how they use it to develop the syllabus.
A section of the framework dedicated to the Foundation Stage gives examples of how RE activities can contribute to the early learning goals.
Although RE is not statutory for the first part of the Foundation Stage - the legal requirement for all maintained schools to teach RE does not extend to nursery classes, but RE is statutory for all pupils on the school roll - the framework says that it can form 'a valuable part of the educational experience'.
Launching the framework, education secretary Charles Clarke, said, 'Faith groups must seize this opportunity to develop their own resources that enhance understanding of their faith, and their response to world issues.
'Religious education can transform pupils' assessment of themselves and others, and their understanding of the wider world. I see it as vital in widening inclusion, understanding diversity and promoting tolerance.'
Copies of the framework can be downloaded from the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk/re.
* See 'A child's view', p23