Marie Curie Cancer Care wants schools and groups for three to 11 year olds to register for this year’s Mini Pots of Care fundraising activity.

Children receive free pots and daffodil bulbs to plant in the autumn, and once their daffodils have bloomed in spring they celebrate by painting their pots. The activity allows children to learn about the work of Marie Curie nurses and to raise funds.

For details and to download free lesson plans, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/minipotsofcare or call 08700 340 040. Registration closes on 7 October.

Hetal Morar, Marie Curie Cancer Care

In the pink 

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Fridays are a chance for your school to raise money for a great cause. Get your class to dress up in pink or bake pink cupcakes to sell to other students. By holding a Pink Friday, however big or small, you will help Breast Cancer Care to support the 50,000 people each year who receive the news that they have breast cancer by giving them information when they need it most.

Every penny you raise makes a difference. Register for your free fundraising kit now at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/pinkfridays.

Jessie Billing, Breast Cancer Care

Schools fight back 

 I was heartened to read that so many teachers are fighting plans to set up academies across the country (Upfront page 9). My school is threatening to apply for academy status and staff feel very uncertain about their future. We should all fight to ensure that teachers are protected.

Dave, by email

Editor’s note: The NUT has recently produced an academies pack which has lots of useful information. Visit www.teachers.org.uk/academies.