Weekly prayer points

Children’s Development and Early Intervention

Recent 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 screening and intervention, and pray that these efforts would continue to reduce unmet need.

Early Years Readiness and Basic Life Skills

Surveys of reception teachers indicate that around one in four children are starting school without key life skills such as being toilet trained, eating independently, or using books appropriately.

• Pray for children who are struggling with basic life skills, and for patience, wisdom, and compassion for the staff supporting them.

• Pray for parents and carers, that they would be supported and encouraged to help children develop these essential skills at home.

Schools, Staff, and Leadership

Teachers and leaders are navigating increasingly complex needs in early years and beyond.

• Pray for strength and discernment for early years practitioners and school leaders as they support children with a wide range of developmental and emotional needs.

• Pray that schools would be enabled to build positive cultures, clear routines, and strong partnerships with families.

Behaviour, Attendance, and National Strategy

The Department for Education has launched 93 behaviour and attendance hubs, led by schools with a proven record of improvement, to address ongoing challenges.

• Pray for wisdom for government and education leaders as they seek to tackle the root causes of poor behaviour and attendance.

• Pray for the lead schools, that as they support others, their own standards, wellbeing, and progress would be sustained.