The Diocese of Worcester’s Department for Children, Youth and Education, which looks at ways to help parishes celebrate their good practice with children and youth, has launched an award scheme for parish’s work with children.  It seeks to help parishes identify ways in which they could improve how they reach out to children and young people and the ways they are welcomed into and included within worship and day to day activities of the church.

Worcester is only the second diocese to use such a scheme which is set to roll out over the whole area in the next few months; work has already begun in the Teme Valley, Hallow, Kidderminster and Barbourne, Worcester.

Louise Grace the Rector of Teme Valley North said ‘As we continue to build up our children's work in Teme Valley North, the kitemark scheme has been an invaluable guide to good practice’.

Churches were at the centre in developing this scheme and congregations, including children and young people were asked to consider a series of questions to help them to identify whether they really are 'Child Friendly'; whether they really do provide the environment and opportunities for the spiritual nurture and faith development of children and teenagers. Participation in the scheme is purely voluntary although it is hoped that as many parishes as possible will join the scheme. 

The Bronze Award itself represents a set of minimum standards in children's and youth work and ask questions such as ‘Are all those who work with children and young people possess a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Certificate?’  For parishes which are going further in the way they include and welcome children and young people and the diocese will be awarding Silver where, for example training has been completed and Gold awards where children and young people are routinely involved in the planning and delivery of services.

The scheme will be officially launched by The Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Dudley, on May 14th.  If you have any questions regarding the scheme or need any assistance at all in developing your youth and children's work, please do not hesitate to contact the Diocesan Children's Officer or the Diocesan Youth Officer at education@cofe-worcester.org.uk or call 01905 732825.

ENDS      

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.