Since September 2022 Mrs Steph Richardson has been the voluntary school chaplain and teaching assistant at Holy Trinity Church School in Yeovil. During this time the role of chaplain and the ministry have developed in a very local and bespoke manner serving both the children and staff at the school.

One of the areas that has seen the most exciting development is among the Yr. 5 children, 25 have become chaplaincy helpers (a role similar to pupil chaplains) assisting with activities throughout each day in support of the chaplain and the younger pupils.

Steph, the children and other adults, were due to attend the Diocese of Bath and Wells Chaplaincy Day in Taunton in November 2024, unfortunately the call from OFSTED arrived and the visit was cancelled. Steph says ‘I was determined to offer these children the opportunity to explore chaplaincy and I thought if they can’t go to a wider event, we need to do something locally.  I planned an afternoon of activities to equip, encourage and thank these children for their role.’

Holy Trinity Church, with whom the school has a very positive relationship, agreed to host the afternoon and Revd Dan Crouch and churchwarden Ken Nichols (who also has an active role as a volunteer in the school) along with Yr 5 teacher Miss Amy Morley facilitated the activities under the leadership and direction of Steph.

Having been welcomed into the church space the children looked at scenarios where they would need to help others and reflected on what they would do if something happened in the playground/during their activities as chaplains. They were all able to apply themselves to the scenario and to recognise the outworking of the school Rainbow values (Love, Kindness, Cooperation, Responsibility, Respect and Honesty) as part of their role.

The children also made puppets which they will use in school to lead worship focusing on their chaplaincy role. The afternoon ended with a quiet reflection and writing a prayer which was left at the foot of the cross in the church. Revd Dan then offered a prayer of blessing and commissioning for the chaplaincy team moving forward.

Revd Dan Crouch said ‘It was a pleasure to welcome the chaplaincy helpers to the church for this afternoon of activities. We are very fortunate to have Mrs Richardson (Steph) in the role of chaplain in the school and her impact is tremendous. This impact is acknowledged, appreciated and recognised by the senior leadership and governors of the school. It is her commitment that has inspired and enabled these 25 children to seek to serve as chaplaincy helpers. It was a very encouraging time together and we hope that this might become an annual opportunity to gather our chaplaincy helpers to equip and encourage them.’