Inclusive church for kids 

(and their adults)

While kids are very welcome at our 7pm services, we know for many, that’s bedtime.

So we have two other groups for young people and their parents and carers - with the same energy, values and vibes as Foundation.

Early Foundations is a monthly service (normally) on the second Sunday of the month at 9:30am, and Earthy Foundation is a weekly group (during term time) meeting on Tuesdays at 10AM.

Children and adults planting flower petals and leaves in a small container outdoors on a paved surface surrounded by garden plants and gardening tools.

Guiding principles

Everybody is welcome and we come as we are. The sessions are designed for children and their adults to spend time together in a relaxed, fun way.

Whilst there is a structure to our sessions, there are no expectations for children to sit and join in with the circle time. Free flow activities are always available and everyone is invited to join in as much or as little as they like!

We are committed to safeguarding and the well-being of each of our members - you can view our safeguarding page here. We have risk assessments in place and our assistants and leaders are all safely recruited (and meet throughout the year to discuss good practice). We are people-focused and encourage feedback and input from everyone involved.   

A young child in a blue shirt and dark shorts stands next to a wooden stump with a white painted top, reaching toward green bush leaves. A wooden sign above reads 'Mud Kitchen'.

Early Foundations

Early Foundations is focused on the faith formation of babies and small children, while also seeking to deepen the spirituality and engagement of all adults and children, building an inclusive community of all ages. It’s designed to be valuable time for children and their adults to spend time together in a relaxed, spiritually focused way.

We meet usually on the second Sunday of the month, starting from 9.30am for breakfast. At 10am we gather for interactive story telling, play and song. Our session ends with craft activities - both indoors and outdoors! All are welcome.

For example, recently for an Early Foundations we read a book together about the wind - how the wind is something we cannot see, touch or feel - but we know it's there, just like God's love!

A wooden arc with cute cartoon animals is on a wooden shelf with pens and crayons next to it.

Earthy Foundations

Earthy Foundations meets every Tuesday during term-time from 10am - 11:30am. We begin with a range of free-flow activities which draw on aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Children can do the activities with their adults or just freestyle with the toys, games and books we have available.

At 10:20am, we gather for circle-time, which includes an opening interactive prayer, our story of the moment, and French for fun!

We have a weekly indoor and outdoor activity which links to our termly themes. Our sessions end by singing our favourite songs. We provide light refreshments for children and adults and the sessions are free to all. Everyone is welcome!

Two baby dolls lying in a pink stroller with polka dot fabric, one with a bald head and pink pajamas, the other with a cap and striped pyjamas.
Three children's books on a wooden table, including 'The Lost Pearl,' 'Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You!,' and an illustrated Bible with a colourful cover showing a biblical scene and people near a river.

FAQs

For information about accessibility, access and the building, see our general FAQs.

If you’re wondering if what we actually mean by inclusive, check out our page all about that!

  • There is a small free car park next to the church that you are very welcome to use, and on street parking next to the church too.

  • Everything is totally free!

  • Nope, just rock up!

  • Everyone is welcome. We have a wide range of different families with different set ups and all are treasured and affirmed members of our community.

  • We are a Queer inclusive church and affirm Queer parents and relationships. Our congregation includes married Queer couples, and trans parents with adopted children, as well as straight couples and single parents. All are welcome!

  • Our amazing Curate Becky! Before ordained ministry, Becky trained in teaching languages in secondary schools, and then worked as an Early Years lead and families and youth minister, so she’s very qualified!

  • Yes, all staff and volunteers have a full DBS check and training on good safeguarding. The team also meets up during regularly during the year to go over good practice.

  • Early and Earthy Foundations are both designed to create a loving environment for children and their adults to spend time together. So we ask that you stay with your children for the duration of the session.

Interested?

We have a mailer specifically for Early Foundations that lets you know what we’re up to. Sign up using this form if you’d like to receive it.

But please do feel free to just turn up!