Children are very welcome at St Stephens and play an active part in our 10am Parish Eucharist. At the beginning and end of the service, if they wish, they can join the Clergy in a procession down the aisle and assist in ringing the small bells and carrying the banners and cross.

Our Sunday School

After a short address, all children are invited to join our Sunday school, although they are welcome to remain in church for the readings, prayers and sermon if they wish. Equally parents are welcome to join their children in Sunday School should they wish to.
Classes are run by volunteer teachers and are related to the liturgy and readings used in the main Church that Sunday. A cup of squash and a biscuit is also offered (if you have any dietary concerns, please make this known to that day’s Sunday school volunteer).
Whenever possible we offer 2 separate classes for the Youngers (up to Year 6, inclusive) and the Olders (Secondary School children).  
The children re-join the main church and their families for the communion and at the end of the service are invited to the front to help “tidy up” and then process out of the Church with the Clergy.

If you would like to volunteer as a teacher, speak to Terry Harper (Mrs), the Children’s Champion, who will arrange for a DBS check to be carried out by our Evidence Checker.

All Age Services

Occasionally, we hold an “all age” Service when there is no Sunday School but the children will be invited to take an active part in the proceedings. 

We also hold several special services at other times during the Church year, such as our Animal Blessing service which is particularly popular with the children, Harvest Festival and services in conjunction with Burdett-Coutts Primary School with whom we have a close connection.

Babies and Pre-School Age Children

Pre-school age children are welcome to attend Sunday school accompanied by a parent.  Alternatively, there is an area at the back of the church with toys and distractions where preschool age children and babies are welcome to play supervised by their parent.  Don’t worry, we don’t mind a bit of noise or a walkabout!  We also have a Toddler Group on a Thursday afternoon.

Safeguarding

We follow all the Diocesan Safeguarding practices because we see the safety and security of our children to be of paramount importance in our church.

Our Mission to the Children

We see the children in our church as our future church. They have the right to enjoy the church experience and learn how they can uniquely contribute to our worship in the Church of England style.
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Contacts: Terry Harper (Mrs): 0207 828 8077 [email protected]