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ACT Prayer PointsWeek Commencing 7th June"Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life..." (Proverbs 13:13–15, NIV)Let's pray about the use of Artificial Intelligence in EducationAI and SEND SupportUpdated government guidance allows schools to use AI to help draft support plans and resources for pupils with S

Join us on the latest episode of the ACT podcast for our Friday news update! Curious about education's current challenges and opportunities? Join Lizzie and Jo as we dive into crucial topics affecting education – from the NEU's potential strike action to the latest Policy Exchange report "Still Asleep At The Wheel." We also share valuable information on upcoming events such as our South Central Me

Readers become what they readOpinion piece by ACT member, Savvas CostiThese are silly times“That’s Mike Teavee! He’s the television fiend!” A striking introduction as the big day arrives and Mike is one of five fortunate children with a golden ticket, securing a rare opportunity to explore Mr Wonka’s wonderous chocolate factory.[1] Of course, Roald Dahl is keen to offer teaching points through all

The main teaching unions seem to be becoming increasingly progressive in outlook, which can leave Christian teachers feeling at odds with elements of their stance. But can Christians help influence union culture from within? In our latest podcast episode, we speak with a teacher who has sought to do exactly that. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities of union membership, why he is a unio

WEEK COMMENCING 26th APRIL“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number…’”— Genesis 1:28 (NIV)“How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”— Hebrews 2:2–3 (NIV)Falling rolls and school provisionPray for schools already experiencing falling pupil numbers, that they would be sustained and not face closure.Ask for wisdom for government and policymakers as they res

Why has reading lost its spark among young people, and how can Christian stories jumpstart their love for literature? In our latest podcast episode, Lizzie chats with Janet Wilson of Dernier Publishing about this pressing issue. From the power of engaging narratives to the impact on spiritual and educational levels, this episode covers it all.Links:The coupon code for a 10% discount off the Primar

How do Scottish educators navigate the balance between personal faith and professional responsibilities under the Curriculum for Excellence? Our latest ACT podcast episode features a conversation with Megan Patterson and Lynn Macmillan of CVE Scotland. Learn about the evolving educational landscape in Scotland, and how Christian teachers are making a difference in Scottish schools. A must-listen f

How should Christian teachers approach the topic of creation and evolution? Is it possible to teach the scientific curriculum with integrity while also acknowledging a Christian perspective?In this latest episode of the ACT Podcast, primary teacher Matthew Pickhaver—now with the Biblical Creation Trust—joins us to explore these questions. Together, we discuss how teachers can handle these conversa

A Christian Perspective on Multicultural ClassroomsGuidance issued recently to schools by councils across the north of England sent social media into freefall last week. The document, Sharing the Journey, advised teachers not to ask pupils to draw figures such as Jesus or Muhammad in lessons, and in some cases even to avoid drawing the human form. The news was seized upon- perhaps predictably- by

In this episode pf the ACT podcast, Lizzie Harewood speaks with Ed Robbins, CEO of Fresh Start in Education, about the growing need for alternative provision for pupils unable to remain in mainstream education due to SEND, exclusion, the impact of traumatic events and mental health issues. Fresh Start provides one-to-one outreach tutoring, often beginning at home, to help re-engage young people an

ACT Prayer PointsWeek Commencing 1st March“A father to the fatherless… God sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:4–6 NIV)1. SEND “Experts at Hand” ServiceThe government is calling for experienced SEND professionals to return to classrooms under the new £1.8bn “experts at hand” initiative, with a promise to prioritise direct intervention over paperwork.Please pray:That experienced SEND staff woul

In 'What's News' this week,  Jo and Lizzie unpack two major government publications this week: the SEND White Paper and the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance which incorporates detail on how to support gender questioning children.Here's a link to the article on gender questioning childrenAnd do join us to pray on Monday evening: Book here to receive the Teams code.Listen

How teachers can use their retirement for Christ by Peter Gregory- retired ACT trusteeFollowing my retirement I have found myself busy in life.Like many Christian teachers I worked hard in my career, teaching wherever God led me through different jobs and settings over time. I began my career in primary schools then moved into special education and secondary schools. By the end of my career I had

Prayer PointsWeek Commencing 22nd February“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”— Psalm 127:3 (NIV)“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! … Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold…”— Psalm 8:1–2 (NIV)Behaviour in SchoolsRecent reports suggest schools are increasing consistency, rigour and predictability in be

Do you work in a primary school? What have been your experiences of talking with children about religion? We’d love to hear – is it awkward and tricky, or you feel very confident? Some say that religion shouldn’t be talked about in the classroom, but others say it is vitally important. Yet hardly anyone has gathered teacher’s perspectives about this – please spend 5-7mins telling us what you think

The big news in the Education world this week is that the government has published an updated draft of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), the statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges. And this version includes long-awaited guidance relating to “gender questioning” children — something ACT has been pressing the government for over many years. Schools were first promised thi

Join Lizzie Harewood and Jo Boorne on the ACT podcast as they discuss the latest ACT Journal, focusing on the growing special educational needs crisis in schools. This edition explores the issue from the perspectives of parents, teachers and medical professionals, reflecting on recent government reforms, and offers biblical encouragement for those carrying the weight of these challenges. Tune in t

In this episode of the ACT Podcast, Lizzie Harewood is joined by Alistair Reid from the Independent Schools Christian Alliance (TISCA) to explore the role of independent Christian schools within the wider education landscape. Alistair shares his journey into Christian education, the challenges facing school leaders and chaplains, and the impact of recent VAT changes. They tackle the importance of

Children’s Development and Early InterventionRecent screening pilots suggest that around six in ten children are being identified with speech and language needs, underlining the importance of early support.Pray for children’s speech, language, and communication development, and for early identification so support can be put in place before difficulties escalate.Give thanks for the success of early

In this episode of ACT’s What’s News Roundup, we explore the government’s push for phone-free school environments following new guidance from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Sam Brown and David Smith from Fulham Boys’ School share why they acted early to ban smartphones, the impact on pupils’ behaviour and relationships, and the moral and theological questions this raises about children, t