A new report by a group of MPs has found that almost half of those teaching Religious Education (RE) in secondary schools have no qualifications in the subject. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Religious Education also revealed that one in four primary school children were being taught by a teaching assistant. ‘This is unacceptable and in many cases has a detrimental impact on the quality of RE’, the report concluded. About half of RE teachers lack confidence in teaching the subject, whilst 40 per cent have ‘inadequate access to continuing professional development.’ Stephen Lloyd, the Liberal Democrat chair of the committee, said that a number of Government policies, including the decision to exclude RE from the English Baccalaureate, had ‘served to lower’ the status of the subject. He added: ‘It is illogical to think that we can dilute the professionalism and expertise needed to teach RE well.’

Pray: that the teaching of our faith to the young will not be neglected. (Pr.6:23)

More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-education-standards-unacceptable-mps-warn