Former primary school teacher Alison Brown has broadened her mission to promote the subject of Religious Education by taking up an advisory role that covers over 100 Church of England primary schools in Derbyshire.

Alison, 43, has been appointed full-time Schools Advisor in the Church of England Diocese of Derby's Board of Education, and in the role she will provide support to 77 voluntary-controlled and 32 church-aided primary schools across Derbyshire. In addition, she will help develop the delivery of Collective Worship and encourage schools to celebrate their distinctive nature.

Previously, Alison co-ordinated RE at Parkview Primary School, Oakwood, but wanted to move into an advisory role in which she could galvanise others in a subject she loves.

She said: "I'm passionate about RE and I believe it should be viewed on equal terms with main subjects like maths and English. It's a unique subject that can help equip children to question the values of and make sense of the world they live in. It develops their thinking and judgement skills in a way other subjects do not.

"My main task will be to support RE teachers and headteachers but eventually I also want to liaise with Churches on how they can make better links with primary schools in their area. There is also a social and pastoral element to my work in which I can be a listening ear to headteachers and support them in working through the challenges of running a faith school."

The Diocese of Derby's Director of Education David Edwards said: "Alison has already started to make her mark and the schools she has visited have all been very positive about her. We're delighted to have her on board."

Alison, from Belper, is married to Adrian, a teacher himself, and they have two sons aged 20 and 18.

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