The British Humanist Association has congratulated the Green Party on its new Education Policy, recently adopted at the party's conference in Hove.
Director of Education and Public Affairs for the BHA Andrew Copson said "the Green Party's new faith schools policy represents a very positive step forward for those who care about a more inclusive state education system."
Green City Cllr Rachel Fryer, who presented the policy to the conference and speaks on education issues for the Brighton & Hove group of Green Cllrs welcomed the news.
Rachel said: "For Greens, education is about ensuring everyone is given the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to fully engage with and contribute to the society in which they live, in an inclusive education system.
"Ensuring all teachers and children feel comfortable at school means putting an end to routine discrimination on the basis of religion or belief in school admissions policies, staff recruitment or the daily timetable.
"While education should include recognition and celebration of religious diversity and spirituality - and all schools should allow space for prayer - this should not extend to turning down pupils or teachers because they belong to a different religion."
The party conference also voted on other aspects of Green education policy. These included:
- Reducing class sizes to 20 in primary and secondary schools
- Raising the primary starting age to 6
- Renewed support for the introduction of universal Free School Meals
- Renewed opposition to City Academies
Rachel continued:
"We believe education must be about more than just academic knowledge or simple achievement - children must also, for example, learn practical life skills and social awareness. All too often, schools focus too heavily on exams and tests at a cost of ensuring all pupils receive a well-rounded education that gives them the very best start in life."
Notes for Editors:
* Please see: http://www.humanism.org.uk for further information.