PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

and Children and Youth Worker for All saints Church Brenchley

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate, inspirational and dedicated Primary School Chaplain and Children & Youth Worker to nurture the spiritual development of children and young people within Brenchley and Matfield CE Primary School and All Saints’ Church, Brenchley. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape bible and faith-based activities, support young people in their spiritual journey, and strengthen links between the school, church, and wider community.

The Chaplaincy role involves working alongside the Vicar of All Saints in the school and responding to the needs and direction of the school. All Saint’s strongly supports work in the school through a range of activities such as “open the book” and reading assistance and links with the school are strong.

The Youth and children’s work at All Saints is central to its ministry and we seek to include the whole family in the worship life of the church. 

LOCATION:    Brenchley and Matfield CE Primary School & All Saints’ Church, Brenchley

HOURS:           3.5 days with flexibility to extend the hours

SALARY:          £22,500 Negotiable

LEAVE:              Statutory Annual Leave Allowance

REPORTS TO: Revd. Andy Cameron and All Saints’ Brenchley PCC

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 THESE ARE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

 Primary School Chaplain (Brenchley and Matfield CE Primary School)

·    Plan and deliver age-appropriate Collective Worship twice a week.

·    Organise and lead faith-based school clubs for children.

·    Support and mentor the Junior Chaplains, equipping them for peer chaplaincy roles and involvement in school worship.

•  Help embed the school’s Christian vision and values, including:

-         Creating termly in-class activities that reinforce Christian values.

-         Organising and leading whole-school prayer station sessions.

•     Provide mentoring support to children as requested.

•     Develop and maintain links with Christian parents to:

-         Lead weekly prayer meetings for parents and staff.

-         Facilitate weekly Bible study opportunities for parents and/or staff.

•     Plan and prepare termly whole-school services at All Saints’ Church, including:

-         Harvest Festival

-         Christmas Service

-         Easter Service

Youth Leader (All Saints’ Church, Brenchley)

•     Lead a weekly after-school youth group, creating a welcoming and engaging space for young people.

•     Organise and run a monthly Sunday morning youth session during the church service.

•     Plan and deliver termly social events to encourage fellowship and deeper engagement.

•     Prepare and lead termly youth services, giving young people opportunities to be involved in worship, teaching, and prayer.

•     Attend and support an annual youth camp, providing pastoral care and spiritual guidance.

•     Manage administrative tasks, including consent forms, risk assessments, and safeguarding requirements as well as reports to the PCC and church community.

•     Build and maintain links with local youth groups, exploring opportunities for collaboration.

·    Head up and help train children and youth

Children’s Worker (All Saints’ Church, Brenchley)  

Junior church is currently well led with a dedicated and experienced team. The following activities may involve an appointee alongside the Vicar and the existing team but substantially run at present through this volunteer group and leadership.

•     Junior Church: Plan and lead, and deliver Sunday morning Junor Church sessions that are engaging, using creative, Bible-based teaching.

•     Family Services: Assist in planning and delivering family-friendly services, making worship accessible and relevant for all ages.

•     Events & Outreach: Organise and lead faith-based community events such as:

-         Light Parties as a positive alternative to Halloween.

-   Holiday Clubs during school breaks, featuring Bible stories, games, and creative activities.

-       Messy Church or interactive worship events, blending crafts, storytelling, and music.

-  Seasonal events (e.g. Easter celebrations, Advent workshops, and Christmas activities).

•     Pastoral Care & Discipleship: Support children in their faith journey through small groups, one-to-one chats, and informal discipleship.

•     Parent & Carer Engagement: Encourage parental involvement through family activities, parenting resources, and church-school connections.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Please follow the link below to view our Parish Profile and other information about All Saints’ Brenchley: https://allsaintsbrenchley.com/

Essential:

•     A committed Christian with a deep personal bible-based faith and a passion for sharing the Gospel with children and young people.

•     A communicant member of the Church of England, or of other Churches allied to the Church of England.

•     Experience in leading children’s and youth ministry within a school or church setting.

•     Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people, parents, and school staff.

•     Strong organisational and administrative skills.

•     Ability to plan and deliver engaging and interactive sessions tailored to different age groups.

•     A heart for pastoral care and discipleship.

•     Understanding of safeguarding policies and willingness to undertake relevant training

•     Experience of working with volunteers and supporting a team.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a school chaplaincy or pastoral role.

• Theological training or youth ministry qualification.

• Creative skills to enhance worship and teaching, including musical interest.

Reporting and Networking

•     Contribute to the PCC and other relevant groups

•     Undertake professional development through study and training

•     Maintain regular communication with your line manager and relevant co-workers.

•     There is a six month probationary period for the post with regular line management and an annual review.

Additional Information

•     Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

•     Best safeguarding practices must be modelled at all times in close liaison with our safeguarding officer.

•     An enhanced DBS check will be required.

•     The role requires some evening and weekend work.

•     There is potential to develop the role further, based on skills and interests.