SCHOOLS can hire secular welfare workers instead of chaplains under changes to the national chaplaincy program, while minimum qualifications for chaplains will be introduced after public consultation and recommendations by the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Parents and educators welcomed the changes, announced yesterday by the School Education Minister, Peter Garrett, but maintained professional counsellors were best qualified to meet students' welfare needs.

The increasing religious involvement in public schools and government funding of faith-based welfare positions has stirred controversy. But under the re-named National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program, schools can seek grants for either a chaplain or a secular officer.

All new chaplains and welfare workers must hold at least a Certificate IV in youth work or pastoral care. Chaplains who do not meet the new criteria will receive government help to obtain the necessary qualifications in making referrals and working in mental health.

With 2700 schools taking part, the government has provided $222 million to expand the program to another 1000 schools next year.