Children, families and young people

We are committed to supporting families, children and young people. We do this by running regular groups throughout the week for babies, toddlers, primary-school-aged children and young people at the three secondary schools in our town. Our prayer is that every child and young person we meet will learn about God, meet Jesus, and find that they have an important and valued part to play in the community of the Minster.

What happens for children at our Sunday services?

At the 9.15 and 11.00 services there is a crèche area at the West End with toys and books for the smallest children, and age-specific groups in the middle of the service where children and young people can explore a Bible story in their own way. At the 9.15 there is a children’s table during the service led by our team. At the 11.00, children leave during the first hymn for age-group activities at the East End and rejoin in time for the Peace and Holy Communion. Some children come forward for a blessing; some, depending on their tradition, come forward to receive Communion. For more about any of our provision for children and young people, contact our Youth and Children’s Minister, Ben, at ben@beverleyminster.org.uk.

What is on during the week?

• Minster Tots — Tuesday mornings at 9.30 in the Parish Hall: fun, arts and crafts, singing, story time and snacks (voluntary donation £2 per family). The natural starting point for a parent or carer with a small child.
• Junior Choir — Wednesday afternoons at 4.30 during term time. A free community choir for primary-school-aged children. From age 8, children may join the senior choir lines and apply for Choral Foundation Scholarships. Contact bmjchoir@gmail.com.
• Beacons — a fortnightly Bible study group for young people at that in-between point of upper primary and early secondary school: questions, learning, laughter and food in a safe, nurturing space.
• Youth Group (Oasis) — Tuesdays from 3.30 to 5.30 in the Parish Hall during term time: an after-school drop-in for young people across the three secondary schools in Beverley.

And through the year?

Family Morning happens in the Minster during the school holidays — big events with crafts, stories, prayer and refreshments, for families with primary-school-aged and younger children. Me & My Dad is a monthly Saturday-morning gathering for dads (and grandads, and father-figures) and their children. Dates for both are advertised in the fortnightly families newsletter — sign up via the Minster website — and in the weekly notice sheet.

The Minster also welcomes school visits, from nursery age through to GCSE — guided tours and workshops led by the Minster team, or pre-booked self-guided visits. Teachers can find resources and the booking form on the Minster website.

How does my child join the Minster Choir?

If your child enjoys singing, the Minster Choir would love to meet them. Voice trials are informal — a chance for the child to sing a short piece, learn a couple of things by ear, and get a sense of whether the choir might be for them. Please contact Robert Poyser at music@beverleyminster.org.uk, or use the form on the Minster website.

What about safeguarding?

The Minster takes the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. There is a fuller note on safeguarding. The short version: there is a Parish Safeguarding Officer (Meg Choules), a Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and a clear policy and reporting route. Anyone who works with children at the Minster has been DBS-checked and trained.

Section 17 of 26 in the Companion