Our Charter for Children

OUR CHARTER FOR CHILDREN

Some of those involved with the Children’s Work at St. James’ met together to discuss this issue. They recommended the following Charter for acceptance by the PCC:

q       Children are valued equally with adults in the life of the church.

This means they share in our church life and we share in theirs. It also means that we are committed to resource the work amongst children and young people with the same vigour as that which applied to the rest of our work.

q       The full diet of Christian Worship is for children as well as adults.

This will mean that children are made to feel welcome in ALL of our worship, not just “the bit for the kids”.  It means that worship for the children is there for adults to participate and share in, and likewise the worship for the adults is for children to share.

q       Learning is for the whole church, adults and children.

This means that when we are all together in Church, we expect the children to be learning from all that we do, which should always be accessible to them

q       Fellowship is for all: adults to children, and children to adults.

This means that we should expect adults to welcome children and include them in the life of the Church.

                  q       Service is for children to give as well as adults.

This means that we should expect children to contribute to the public life and worship of the church through readings, prayers, sides-person duties, etc.

q       The call to evangelise comes to all God’s people of whatever age.

This means that we should encourage all ages to be confident of their faith and be able to share it with others.

q       The Holy Spirit speaks through children as well as adults.

This means that we should listen to what God is saying to us through the children and young people. We should always encourage such contribution.

q       The discovery and development of gifts of children and adults is a key function of the church.

This means that we should recognise the gifts that children have and encourage their use.

q       As a church community, we would not normally divide by age without good reason.

OUR POLICY FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The PCC and Children’s Group Leaders will implement a policy to ensure:-

q       The safety and well-being of all children and young people while in our care

q       That a safe physical environment is provided

q       That all paid staff and volunteers who have regular, direct contact with children will have a CRB check. Such records will be stored securely to ensure confidentiality.

q       That the appropriate leader/child ratio is maintained at all times. Gender of leaders will reflect the group.

q       That suitable leaders are appointed and valued, who will continue to be trained and supported

q       That leaders, parents and all children and young people are aware of and abide by the agreed rules on behaviour

q       That all children and young people are provided with teaching and activities that are appropriate to their stage of development

q       That no person under the age of 16 years will be left in charge of children of any age.

q       That no child or group of children under 16 years will be left unattended at any time.

q       That a register of children or young people attending club/activity will be kept, including details of name, address, date of birth and next of kin.

q       That no photographs or filming can take place without the permission of the parents/carers.

q       That if children are to be taken off the church premises for any reason written consent will be obtained from the parents or person with parental responsibility. The permission can be obtained for a given time i.e.. a term. There will always be available in the Parish Office a list of names, addresses and next of kin of all children, young people and leaders away from the premises.  Group leaders will also have such a list.

q       That parents will be informed if their children are to be transported in a car or other vehicle. Persons transporting children will ensure their insurance covers transportation of children on this basis.

q       When a group of children or young people are out or away there will always be a known contact person in the parish who is available at a phone number in case of emergency.