POLICY STATEMENT ON CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & THE CHURCH.

This statement was agreed at the church meeting held on 21st November 1995

It has been read annually at the church meeting where progress in carrying it out has been monitored.

Children and young people are a valued part of our church community. They have much to give as well as receive. We will listen to them. As we nurture them in worship, learning, and in community life, we will be sensitive to their feelings and wishes.

As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.

It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected to the Church's appointed responsible person.

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

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

The church is committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with children and young people, and to providing supervision

The Church is committed to following the Home Office Code of Practice Safe from Harm and adopts the guidelines and procedures published by the Baptist Union of Great Britain in its booklet Safe to Grow

Each worker with children and young people must know the recommendations, and undertake to observe them. Each shall be given a copy of the church's agreed procedures and Good Practice Guidelines

As part of our commitment to children and young people, the Church has appointed Michael Herbert and Fiona Message to be the Responsible Persons

We take the protection of children and young people seriously - we have recently adopted Safe to Grow 3 - if you are looking to set up a similar policy do contact us for more info.