Schools Ministry network

All Saints’ Church adopts a code of practice outlined by the Schools Ministry network (SMN), see Schools Ministry network.

SMN is a voluntary association of Christian organisations and individuals working with schools. In joining the network, members commit themselves to its objectives, principles and practice.

Objectives of the network

• To promote integrity of Christian ministry in schools and appropriate standards of practice

• To co-operate for strategic planning and placement of people and resources

• To share resources and ideas, provide credibility and give opportunities for fellowship and training

• To encourage a wider involvement of Christian churches and organisations in ministry in schools

Principles and practice

The Schools Ministry network:

• Recognises schools to be places of education and seeks to work with them in appropriate ways

• Believes that Christians have a responsibility to make a positive contribution to the whole schools community

• Seeks to assist pupils to evaluate Christianity as a way of life by, for example:

  • Helping them understand the basic Christian beliefs

  • Sharing the relevance of Christianity to different areas of life

  • Assisting pupils in forming and/or clarifying personal values

  • Supporting on-going Christian work in schools

  • Giving pupils a positive experience of meeting Christians

  • Bringing personal and professional support for Christian teachers

• Recognises the importance of a strategic, long term approach an ministry in the school community

• Seeks to work in conjunction with, and mindful of, the school staff and not in isolation

• Seeks to co-operate with other Christians in the school community

• Seeks to identify and make contact with other Christians already working in a school before starting something new

• Shows respect for school administration, staff and parents, and never knowingly undermines them

• Seeks to teach Christian principles, while not promoting denominations

• Are united in purpose yet affirms its diversity in approach and style, within the parameters of the above