Background information:

The Child Friendly Church Award scheme was created after the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool carried out a review of its life and work.  The resulting report made a keynote recommendation that parishes ‘welcome and integrate children and their families into the worshipping life of their church.'  Their conclusion was that it is desirable that churches advertise to the community that they take the provision for the young seriously.  Churches inviting children in this way should provide a quality service which should be accountable to the church leadership and meet with certain set criteria.  A new scheme has been introduced to encourage churches to put children and families on their agendas, to work towards certain targets and obtain a certificate and an award to be displayed as appropriate. 

Having seen the scheme, the Youth and Children's Work committee felt it was a good idea and have adapted it for use within the United Reformed Church.  "Towards a Charter for Children in the Church", introduced at General Assembly 1990, challenges churches to become fully inclusive in their work with children.  This scheme offers a way to measure progress towards that goal.

This is a voluntary scheme, with a light touch, so there is just one simple tick-list to complete!  However, this is not just an exercise in ticking all the "yes" boxes.  It is more about recognising the importance of children and young people in the local church, and continually improving how we welcome them and share ministry with them.

Criteria:

1. A Child Protection Policy is in place, being implemented, and regularly reviewed.
2. The church buildings offer a safe environment.
3. On-going training and support for leaders is in place.
4. There is provision for children's and youth nurturing groups (0-18 yrs).
5. There are opportunities for children and young people to be included in child friendly church services.
6. Suitable materials for under 5's are available in church
7. There are opportunities for the voices of under 18's to be heard
8. Feedback is obtained from children and young people.
9. There is a vision for Youth and Children's Work

Process for awarding:

• Nominations from any source
• Registration and Pack sent out
• Church Meeting meet to consider the set criteria*
• Self-assessment process undertaken
• Form returned to Synod CYDO
• CYDO visits the church
• CYDO reports back to CYDO team meeting, who, on behalf of the Youth and Children's Work Committee of General Assembly decide whether to issue award
• Church is presented with the award
• Church receives dated certificate and logo to display
• Elders commit themselves to an annual review of criteria
• Synod follow-up progress made and re-award after 3 years

* The Elders or other suitable group may carry out the review and present their findings to Church Meeting.

Included in the pack: Church Council Self-Assessment & Guidance Notes (5 pages)

To obtain the pack, please contact Nick White your CYDO:
Room 1.22, Youth House, Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5HR
Tel: 01634 578003, cydo@urcsouthern.org.uk