In addition to using the ‘Come and See’ programme, as recommended by the Diocese, we also teach using our Godly Play Room, using a method founded by Jerome Berryman and based on the theory of children discovering God for themselves. Initially, this was adopted as a response to our children needing more Scriptural knowledge. Thankfully we have discovered so much more to it!

Before entering the Godly Play Room, children and adults are asked to get ready on the inside. In order to show that they are ready to enter the room, everyone removes their shoes and lines up at the door. This creates the idea of Godly Play taking place in a sacred place. During Godly Play, only two adults are allowed in the room with the children. This is to ensure that the children own the room. It is their space and it is their responsibility to look after it. Once in the room, the group are not to be interrupted either by people leaving or entering the room

Godly Play is based on long established, tried and tested approaches, using symbols and objects as well as words. It uses a values process, openness and discovery and encourages people to make meaning for themselves.

It invites listeners into stories and encourages them to connect the stories with personal experience.

Notes can be made on what the children say and photographs can be taken. There is no formal assessment of Godly Play. The academic benefits of Godly play are demonstrated within the RE curriculum work and across the school curriculum.