Rebecca Ledgard, director of education, Ex Cathedra

- What do you do?

I run a schools programme called Singing Playgrounds for the choir Ex Cathedra. The programme has been running for five years and has been used in more than 70 schools. Vocal tutors use singing games to train children to lead their peers in songs and games in the playground. We help everyone to discover themselves as a singer, whether they want to sing for fun or take it further.

- How do you make a difference?

We provide an outlet at a time when many adults lack the confidence or time to do this at home. Singing has many benefits for language development and breaks down barriers. We work in schools in Tower Hamlets where there are children from all over the world singing songs in their first language. Even if they cannot speak to each other easily, they can play together. It's also good for involving boys and getting different year groups to interact. It's fantastic to see children enjoying singing and making friends.

- How did you get into this job?

I did a music and education degree and qualified as a classroom teacher in music. I worked with the music service and joined the Ex Cathedra choir. When this job came up it was ideal for me. Other organisations put musicians into schools, but our programme uses people who have teaching skills as well as artistic ones. When I initially created the programme, it was just me, but now I manage 20 vocal tutors.

- What are the challenges?

The tutors are so passionate and enthusiastic about what they do that we don't encounter many challenges. Teachers sometimes lack confidence in their own voices, but once they see what the children get from it, they become consumed by it.

- How will the job develop?

This year, we are running a pilot project with Hertfordshire Music Service to train its teachers to deliver the programme.

It's interesting to see how playground songs develop; they can be rude or funny and evolve from school to school.