Children's Church

Children's church is for children from four to 14 years.

The children are taught in one big group by qualified teachers. The emphasis is on kinetic learning; hands on involvement in art and craft, singing, reciting and drama.

The children will work on one broad theme each month with the object of leading the all age service on the first Sunday of the month.

A typical theme is 'Accepting Differences - God loves everyone' we will look at how people are different and how we respond to difference. God accepts that all people are different and loves us all anyway.

The children will produce art work around this theme, they will compose poems and prayers that reflect the theme and they will learn songs to sing and small drama scenes to perform at the next all age service.

On the third Sunday of the month we do baking for children over the age of 10. We try to tie the baking loosely into the month's theme, (chocolate nests and baby animals cookies at Easter, persons of gingerbread for the Accepting Difference theme and mince pies at Christmas)

The children sell what they bake to the congregation at morning coffee and make money to spend on Sunday School materials.

All teachers and helpers have been checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.

When in session this is held on all except the first Sunday in the month. This begins in the church hall at 10.00. Towards the end of the Parish Communion service, children are brought into church to receive a blessing at the altar.

In addition, there is a children's choir at Christmas which is open to all children of all ages.

Please see the rota to find out who is on duty each week.

Children's Church is a big part of the life of St Johns, we have a large, varied and vibrant group of children who love to be together on a Sunday.

For further information regarding the Children's Church please contact Rowan Joyce

Crèche

There is a creche for very young children in the church hall. Toys and books are there to keep them entertained.

Tiny Tots Service

This is a service for young children accompanied by parents/carers. It is held on advertised Wednesday afternoons in the church hall at 14.15 and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Refreshments are provided afterwards.

For more information please contact Arthur Spikins

Children's Advocate

Jayne Vertkin is the Children's Advocate. There is a now a Children's Advocate in every parish. The aim of this role is to be a voice for children and young people in the church and to be the person who:

• Makes sure the question 'How does this impact our children?' is always asked.

• Speaks up for the needs and welfare of children.

• Keeps alive a general awareness of child protection issues and the Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines.

If you have any suggestions about promoting the welfare of children in the church or would like to ask any questions about the role please do not hesitate to contact me.

Child Protection Policy

In line with all other parishes in the Church of England, we are determined to do all in our power to protect young people from harm. Everthing possible is done to promote their wellbeing.

At the Parish of St John the Baptist, Isleworth

• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly our children and young people.

• We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole church community.

• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment and support of those working with children, whether paid or volunteer.

• We wish to support parents and carers who have responsibility for bringing up children.

• We accept and endorse the principles of the Children Act 1989 and the House of Bishops’ Policy Statement Protecting All God’s Children (2004).

The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy on Child Protection at its meeting held on Monday 14 November 2005

We have appointed Jayne Vertkin as our Children’s Advocate, as described in the document Children in the Diocese of London.

Copies of Children in the Diocese of London and the House of Bishops Child Protection Policy are held by the Vicar and the Children’s advocate.