Chaplaincy

As a valued, supported, sustainable Christian presence in a secondary school, Chaplaincy has a long and vital history in church schools. It is also a new and developing ministry in maintained schools and colleges.

Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence, often firmly rooted in the individual person and what they bring to a community. How each individual lives out this presence will vary enormously between different ministers and different schools but all should have a focus on being rather than on doing. A chaplain in a school community should offer a spiritual lead to the school and have prayer and reflection at the heart of their work. Their role is distinct from other members of the school staff, even if they are part of the teaching staff or the pastoral support team, as they should be expected to speak about matters of faith and be free to offer prayer for individuals and situations that they encounter. A chaplain should be available for the whole school community, staff, students and families.

Chaplains may be lay or ordained ministers and many have a part time role in the school combined with other roles such as parish priest or youth worker. These combined posts do create an opportunity for stronger links to be made between local church communities and schools however it is important for the time allocation to be sufficient and a consistency of provision for the school maintained. There is a clear distinction between the role of a designated chaplain and that of youth worker or parish priest who goes into a school without the school seeing them as a chaplain as they are a visitor to the school rather than a central part of the school community.

Diocesan Support for School Chaplaincy

Lizzie Whitbread, Adviser for Work with Young People offers support for school chaplains across the diocese including running a annual networking and training day, giving individual support and providing access to training in working with children and young people.
Also if you are a parish or deanery considering exploring creating a school chaplains post then do get in touch for advice about how you might do this.

As a valued, supported, sustainable Christian presence in a secondary school, Chaplaincy has a long and vital history in church schools. It is also a new and developing ministry in maintained schools and colleges.

For advice, please contact: