Schools Work

HCF has enjoyed a good relationship with many of the primary schools in the area, regularly taking Christian assemblies in 12 different schools. Having taken a teaching degree, Ashley Guest who had previously worked for the church in schools felt called to develop the schools ministry instead of going into full time secular teaching. He began teaching Christianity in 4 local schools, was invited to be RE coordinator and develop the curriculum in one school, and in so doing achieved his qualified teacher status. Ashley has also had a book of his assemblies (entitled 'The search for the Waloo Waloo' !!!) published by Kevin Mayhew Press, and he now plans to expand the ministry into lunch clubs and pastoral groups, whilst seeking to train a group of volunteers to carry on the lessons and assemblies.

He is currently helping to pilot 'Not School', an e-mail based learning experience for pupils who, for a variety of reasons are unable to access mainstream education provision.

Drugs Education

Ashley and a volunteer are regularly visiting schools to do drug education and misuse prevention with the children. This is all in primary schools, mainly years 5 and 6, where the need for this area of education has been highlighted.

Running alongside this, a group of volunteers are starting a new course designed for parents, called 'How to Drug Proof Your Kids'. This is a 5 week course designed by Care for the Family to encourage awareness of issues around drugs and develop good parenting skills.