Sunday School classes are split into 2 and vary in that split year on year depending on individual children’s needs.  Currently from September 2008 the younger class will be Reception to Year 3 inclusive and the older class will be Year 4 to Year 6 inclusive. Sunday School teachers, all of who have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau, work from teaching materials produced by Scripture Union. 

The materials each week are always based on Bible Stories and include an introduction or ‘Way In’ to the story, the story itself presented in various forms including sketches and role play, and then there is the ‘Life Application’ part of the lesson which helps the children to relate what they have learnt to their every day lives.  This often includes a craft activity, drama, miming, games, singing and always includes fun. 

The older class operates a points system where points are given for attendance and various other activities such as learning a memory verse from the week before.  Points are cashed in at the end of each school term for prizes. 

Sunday school also organizers a nativity related activity once a year which is ‘performed’ at Christmas to the whole church.  Sunday School also have occasional outings / trips to parks, picnics or pantomimes. 

Children generally arrive at 10.30am when the Sunday church service commences and they begin in church with the adult members.  This includes a worship time and a chance for all to share family time.  Children then go out to their classes any time between 10.45am and 11.15am.  Sunday School finishes around the same time as the church service which can be anytime between 11.45am and 12.15pm. 

Sunday School aims to be inclusive of all children wishing to attend and arrangements can be made to help those with special educational or physical needs.  Sunday School also aims to remain flexible in its approach so that, on occasions, they may return to church to sit with their parents for communion.  Sunday School is offered every Sunday except for those occasions when there is a family, all age, service.  During the summer holidays Sunday School is still offered but the groups may be joined together due to reduced numbers and may be run by alternative staff due to holidays. 

Currently Sunday School staff are: 

• Reception to Year 3: Bridget Whitley and Elaine Wilsher
• Year 4 to Year 6: Matt Lewney, Dave Cherry and Kathy Smith 

Children move up into the next appropriate class at the beginning of the school year in September.  The progression from the older class of Sunday School is into the group called ‘Gateway’ which provides activities for children on Sunday mornings from year 7 +. 

If you have taught in Sunday School before and would like to be involved again please don’t hesitate to contact one of those listed above.  We can also offer opportunities for training those who haven’t taught before where they can learn along side an existing Sunday School teacher.  On-going training is also provided periodically by the Yorkshire Baptist Association for existing and new Sunday School teachers.