Bishop Bridgeman
Prayer Space Leaders
"Love God, love yourself love your neighbour."
LUKE 10:27
Bishop Bridgeman holds a long tradition of utilising prayer spaces. Prayer spaces can come in all shapes, sizes and themes.
Each class has 2 prayer space leaders, trained by our Ethos Leadership Team.
Meet our Prayer Space Leaders
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Prayer Space Leader Training by ELT Sept 24
Prayer Space Leader Training
Children's Chaplains and Ethos Leadership Team work with Prayer Space leaders early in September to carry out sessions looking at supporting children and adults with prayer and reflection. The training powerpoint can be downloaded below.
Reflection Spaces
Aims of our Reflection Spaces
At Bishop Bridgeman, we recognise the need for developing the spiritual growth of our children through opportunities for reflection. Our school defines spirituality as “a way of getting to know yourself more, a way of getting to know others more and a way of getting to know God more.”
Therefore, we ensure that each classroom has its own reflection space so that children, and staff, are given the time and space to:
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Engage in quiet reflection in a space that encourages children to calm their minds and process their thoughts and feelings;
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Pray in a designated area which is for children of all or no faith so they can engage in personal prayer or meditation;
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Explore their spirituality in a safe and respectful environment.
What you will see in our Reflection Spaces
Each classroom has a designated space for reflection which is clearly identifiable. The space should be accessible for all children and be free from clutter. The space should be presented in line with the school’s display policy. There is no expectation for excessive decoration, as any decoration should be purposeful to the theme/ambience of the space. Our Christian vision and definition of spirituality will be displayed within the space.
Our reflection spaces will include a Bible, cross and LED candle. The Bible will be of a reading age appropriate for the children in the room. These artefacts will be used during class worship, as well as when required for individuals in the space.
The reflection spaces will also make reference to a window, mirror and door (Liz Mills), as this is a key way that we encourage spiritual exploration at Bishop Bridgeman. This could be with a visual image or suitable physical example e.g. hand mirror.
You will see reference made to our current Christian value within the space. There may be other times in the year when artefacts to create wonder are placed within the space. For example, a palm leaf in the lead up to Easter or a Bible quote purposely chosen to create discussion.
Our EYFS and KS1 classes have a focus of ‘Wiggle the Bible Book Worm’ for their reflection space. Wiggle is displayed in the area to support pupils reflect on and engage with their learning in worship.
Our KS2 classes have a reflection space ‘floor book’ so that individual reflections can be recorded and shared. These reflections are inspired through the ‘Picture News’ collective worship sessions that are undertaken weekly.
There is a reflection space in our school hall that also gives children, and staff, the opportunity to pause, pray, think and wonder. There may be times that our pupil groups lead on the focus for this space e.g. Shades Ambassadors. This larger space will still include the minimum expectation for resources – all of which are identified in this section.
Considerations for our Reflection Spaces
Reflection spaces are open to all children during designated times, such as break times. Children may be directed to a reflection space if an adult feels this is appropriate e.g. a child expresses a strong desire to pray or reflect during a lesson.
Children are encouraged to treat the reflection space with respect and maintain a purposeful atmosphere. Children are free to use the reflection space according to their own beliefs and practices. Children are expected to be respectful towards the beliefs and practices of others.
Prayer Space Leaders (child leaders) are assigned to each class to ensure the spaces are well maintained and looked after. Prayer Space Leaders monitor the use and content of the reflection spaces, with adult support, to ensure children have a voice in regard to content and use of the spaces. Adults should ensure that the reflection spaces remain purposeful and current.
You can download the policy by clicking on the image below.
