The Mrs Mactivity Story
Hi, I’m Heather. I spent 10 years as a primary teacher, and like many teachers I often found it hard to get hold of resources that were both engaging and genuinely useful for children’s learning. That’s what inspired me to start Mrs Mactivity. Since leaving the classroom, I’ve worked in educational publishing – first on the senior team at Twinkl and later with Kapow Primary, using my classroom experience to help shape what schools need. I also created a phonics scheme that was validated by the Department for Education.
How We Started
I started Mrs Mactivity eight years ago, after years in the classroom struggling to find resources that were engaging, curriculum-aligned and genuinely useful. Too often I’d spend hours searching or making my own, only to end up with something that didn’t quite fit – or was far too expensive.
Mrs Mactivity began at my kitchen table with one simple aim: to create resources I’d be proud to use with my own class. What started as hands-on activities has grown into a full library of primary teaching resources and schemes of work for maths, phonics, SPaG, science, geography and more.
Where We Are Today
Now an award-winning team of UK subject specialists and designers, we’re trusted by more than 20,000 members. Together we’ve created thousands of resources that are colourful, purposeful and designed to help children make real progress. New materials are added weekly, ensuring teachers and schools always have fresh, high-quality support.
What We Stand For
- Every resource is made by experienced UK teachers and staff who are fairly paid for their expertise.
- We focus on quality over sheer quantity – no filler worksheets, just meaningful, curriculum-aligned resources.
- Our growing community of teachers share ideas, feedback and support.
Why Teachers Choose Us
“I’ve been a member of Mrs Mactivity for a few years. The resources are second to none, child-orientated, and cover all year groups and topics. Always grateful. Thank you!”
– Joan Dawson, Teacher
From complete primary schemes of work to inspiring classroom ideas, Mrs Mactivity is here to support you and your pupils every step of the way.
The ethos has never changed. Would I use it in my own classroom?
If not, it doesn’t get a look-in.
The ethos has never changed. Would I use it in my own classroom?
If not, it doesn’t get a look-in.
How does Mrs Mactivity work?
If we don’t have what you need, drop us a line over on our contact page
and we’ll do our best to make it for you.
Meet the team
Heather McAvan
Founder
Heather is our founder and has a breadth of teaching experience from ages 5 – 18, spending most of her time in KS2. She has taught in Japan and Spain as well as Bradford, Yorkshire. Heather is also the mum of three children and loves 90’s indie music. In her spare time she loves pumping iron in the gym. You can find out more about Heather on the Classroom Secrets Podcast and the Teachers of Tomorrow Podcast.
Anne Helsby
Head of content
Anne has worked in primary schools in Lancashire for more than 15 years, teaching children from 4 to 11. Since leaving teaching, she has spent several years creating content and teaching resources for primary aged children before joining Mrs Mactivity. She lives by the sea and is also mother to two teenage daughters.
Sophie Pickles
Early Years and phonics content creator
Sophie is our Early Years expert after spending several years as head of Early Years and a member of SLT at an outstanding-rated child-led setting. Sophie also spear heads our phonics resources, child-led play resources, and Early Years provocations.
Shelley Lee
KS1 and phonics content creator
Shelley is a year 1 teacher and Instagram influencer from Lancashire. She is passionate about all things phonics and all things creative. Shelley creates content for our KS1 and phonics categories and has her own range – Shelley’s Showstoppers.
Katie Whitehead
Early Years and phonics content creator
Katie is a teacher and influencer with 16 years teaching experience, having been Early Years Lead, Year 1 Team Leader and Phonics Whole School Lead. She currently splits her time between working part-time in school and looking after her two boys. She has a huge passion for creating fun, hands-on phonics activities, and has her own range – Phonics Family.
