In this episode of Opening Minds, Opening Doors, the focus is on raising awareness about knife crime and educating young people on its devastating effects. The discussion highlights the importance of making informed decisions, featuring insights from Kelly Brown, who shares her personal experience and Jo Paddock, headteacher at E-ACT, who talks about the role of education in guiding young people toward better choices.

This Episode of Opening Minds, Opening Doors focuses on the cost of living crisis and the impact that it's having on our communities.

Led by Richard Lane, Director of External Affairs at StepChange, and James Hughes, Headteacher at E-ACT Blackley Academy, the episode highlights the work that schools across the country are doing to support their local communities and also highlights the help available for those who are struggling in this difficult time. 

It’s all about the world of women in STEM! This episode features insightful discussions led by MacKenzie Murray, Senior Vice President and Director of Faria Education, Sunny Lu, a Programme Executive at Rolls Royce and Karen Rose, Director of Partnerships and Organisational Development at E-ACT.

Together, they explore the significance of female role models, challenge stereotypes surrounding STEM careers, and offer empowering advice on navigating male-dominated industries. From reflecting on the evolving landscape of STEM over the past decade to advocating for increased female representation in these fields, this podcast addresses critical issues facing women in STEM today.

Join the conversation as these inspiring women share their experiences, insights, and aspirations for a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM.

In Episode 6 we dive deep into the conversation around technology literacy, challenging the misconceptions surrounding the unknown. Joining us for this conversation is E-ACT's very own Dr. Neelam Parmar and AI and Google Cloud specialist, Ikenna Uzoh.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, we often find ourselves apprehensive about the unknown. Little do we realise that we have been using AI in our lives for years through everyday tools like SatNavs and music streaming platforms like Spotify.

We explore the necessity of equipping students with the essential skills to not only cope with the evolving technological but also to develop a human skill set that AI cannot replicate.

Dr. Neelam Parmar shares insights into the development of an 'artificial intelligence literacy toolkit', shining light on its importance and the critical role it plays in shaping the future generation.

Our latest episode is a valuable resource for parents seeking the ideal primary school setting for their children. We are joined by Clio Brown, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Director at E-ACT, and a dedicated parent who shares her insightful journey of finding the perfect setting for her son with special needs.

In this episode, Clio Brown brings her expertise to the table, offering practical advice on what to consider when choosing a primary school. She delves into the intricacies of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how it impacts your child's early education.

Our special guest, a parent with firsthand experience in navigating the educational landscape for a child with special needs, shares her heartfelt story. She provides invaluable tips and guidance on the selection process, offering unique insights into ensuring the right support is available for your child.

Whether you're just starting your search for a primary school or are in the midst of making this crucial decision.

This episode all about the menopause and how employers can support their employees.  Sadly, one in ten women leave the workforce due to the menopause and this podcast aims to help tackle the stigma that still lingers around this stage in a woman’s life. 

In this thoughtful episode, E-ACT employee Clio Brown discusses her experience of the menopause and Jenny Haskey, CEO of The Menopause Charity, a leading menopause specialist offers her expertise. 

For more information or support please visit:

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/ or search The Meno Charity on social media.

Have you ever considered becoming a teacher? In this episode, we’re joined by new primary and secondary school teachers as well as an assistant headteacher and mentor who share with us their various routes into teaching. They discuss how it feels to stand in front of a class for the first time, workload and address misconceptions about the teaching profession. 

Episode 2 brings parents and pupils a practical guide to selecting the right secondary school, during the current secondary school application window. Niall Gallagher, one of E-ACT's Education Directors and former HMI breaks down Ofsted reports, performance tables and explains what to look for to select the most appropriate setting for your child.

He advised parents of children with Special educational needs and disabilities ( SEND ) on what questions to ask, what to look for and how to ensure the right support is available for your child.

If you have a child of primary school age, this episode is for you!

In conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we start series 1 with an emotive and inspiring episode.

TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains emotional discussions about cancer diagnoses and treatment.

We are joined by Clio Brown who shares her very emotional journey with being diagnosed with cancer at a young age, the non-medical challenges she faced and the incredible support she received from charity Young Lives Vs Cancer.

Abby Derr joins us from the charity to tell us about the issues faced by young people and their families following a diagnosis and the incredible support the charity can provide.

For support, information on the guests featured or to help fundraise for the charity, please visit: Clio Brown - Twitter @ClioBrown_EYFS & https://www.linkedin.com/in/clio-brown-413836258

Young Lives Vs Cancer - https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/

Opening Minds, Opening Doors is a podcast that talks openly about some of the challenges we know young people, employees and communities face in the current climate, and we wanted to be able to talk both to parents, staff and young people themselves about these important subjects.

We've brought together a range of topics including things for parents such as choosing the right school, for young people talking about knife crime and mental health, and for education practitioners such as technology and getting into teaching.