Only believers need apply

Faith schools could soon be allowed to select teaching assistants according to their religion.

The government wants to introduce the change through an amendment to the Education and Inspections Bill, currently before Parliament.

If passed it would mean that Catholic, Church of England, Jewish or Muslim state schools could favour people of the same faith for teaching assistant jobs regardless of their ability.

Teachers would not be affected, but the government wants to allow faith schools to be able to insist headteachers are of the same faith.

The GMB trade union says the amendment has been introduced with no consultation with trade unions. General secretary Paul Kenny said it was a recipe for religious intolerance and should be withdrawn.

Singing from the same songsheet

Singing should return to the heart of all primary school music, with a national singing campaign leading up to the 2012 Olympics, say school music experts.

The Music Manifesto, set up by the government in 2004, calls for a national song book for primary schools, and a firm commitment to get all primary school children singing regularly.

Music Manifesto chief Marc Jaffrey said, “A national singing campaign will engage millions of children in music making in its most primal, accessible form. I want a firm commitment from everyone involved in music education to make this happen and find the resources needed.”

The report also calls for local music education “hubs” which bring together local musical skills, experience and resources and encourage better coordination.

At the moment the quality of music education depends far too much on where you live, it says.

www.musicmanifesto.co.uk