Vision
We seek to serve by:
Supporting primary school age children as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of Christianity within the school day
Providing high quality and creative resources to communicate to children in a contemporary and accessible way
We offer support to the whole school community’s wellbeing through pastoral care and chaplaincy.
Why we do what we do:
- We want every generation to have the opportunity to make an informed choice about the Christian message
- We hope that each child will see that Christianity is relevant and that it can make a difference to their lives.
- We hope that each child will receive a positive image of the Christian faith
- We hope that each child will grow and flourish through the values and stories of the Christian faith
Our Aims
- We aspire to provide space for Christian stories and values to be explored and encountered by all children, and the wider school community, through collective worship.
- We seek to have a positive relational role in the school community by providing space in regular clubs. Here we hope children can be encouraged to connect with the relevance of Christianity in their lives, the lives of other people, and in the wider community and world.
- We welcome the space to communicate to churches the vision of the Trust and to raise awareness of the opportunities we have in schools
- We strive to enthuse, encourage, equip and nurture volunteers to work within the Trust by providing excellent training and support.
- We wish to work in partnership with schools, churches and other children’s work organisations who serve in Grantham and surrounding areas – so that all children may have the opportunity to flourish through the values and stories of Christianity.
LightSpace Covid Policy for working in schools
This policy provides guidance for how LightSpace employees and volunteers can safely work within schools (inside and outside) during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Current Government Guidelines
LightSpace will work under the government guidelines currently in place describing meetings and numbers of people within meetings etc. and will take guidance from the government website – click here.
General Guidance
Read and apply Government advice for England on (1) 'staying safe outside your home' here, (2) ‘Meeting people from outside your household' here, (3) ‘Safer travel guidance’ here.
Visiting schools
What schools can expect from LightSpace:
All LightSpace employees and volunteers will follow the following procedures before visiting schools:
- Wash and/or sanitise their hands when they arrive and as necessary during their visit
- Carry a mask or face covering and wear it as required
- Maintain a safe distance (at least 1 metre, and ideally two metres) from other people at all times
- Not attend if they have symptoms of Covid 19, have tested positive for Covid 19 or have been in close contact with anyone with symptoms or have been asked to isolate.
- Clean all equipment in line with recommended cleaning policies
- Bring their own water to drink
What LightSpace requires from schools:
All schools requesting visits must provide their ‘Covid policy for visitors’ to LightSpace prior to the visit being confirmed to allow time for LightSpace to review it.
When we arrive at the school:
We will:
- Do a visual check of the area that we are being asked to work in ensuring that it conforms to current government guidelines – unfortunately we will be able to continue if this is not the case.
- Complete a risk assessment which we will be happy to share with the school
These guidelines are subject to change according to government guidelines
Jennie Fytche - our Schools Work Facilitator
Contact: jennie@lightspaceministries.org
Jennie has been working for LightSpace since 2018, having previously worked as a children's and young peoples worker in various settings for the last 30 years. She brings experience from nursing children and young people in the NHS and various charities and is trained in storytelling. She regularly leads worship and preaches for the Methodist church as a Local Preacher. Jennie’s experience is underpinned by her Christian faith as shown in the training completed over the years. Alongside her nursing, she has trained in children's, youth, families, and community work, as well as schools chaplaincy - together with her accreditation with the EMCC in coaching and mentoring, she brings a rounded and unique blend of skills to LightSpace. She is married to Ian and has two adult daughters.
She loves to support children in their spiritual nurture and formation from a Christian perspective and enabling others to understand this too. Jennie loves reading, hill walking, and meeting with others. She chairs the Christian Coach and Mentoring Network and she serves as a school governor.
LightSpace is a project of Grantham Christian Ministries and is run by a team of Trustees
Lydia Gallaher - Chair of Trustees
Contact: lydia@lightspaceministries.org
Lydia has been Chair of Trustees since January 2023.
David Lynn - Treasurer
Contact: treasurer@lightspace.org.uk
David has been a founder trustee with the Charitable Trust since its formation in 1984. Originally treasurer for the work in secondary schools until 2009 when the charity became dormant. He has been treasurer of the charity working in primary schools since 2015. He is also treasurer for two other charities; serving the homeless and disadvantaged in Grantham and partnering with pastors in Moldova to bring aid and share the gospel. He is an Elder at Grantham Baptist Church. David is a part-time consultant electrical engineer with the electricity supply industry.
Jess Barnett - Marketing and fundraising
Contact: jess@lightspace.org.uk
Jess has been a trustee for four years, she coordinates the marketing and fundraising for Lightspace. From wading through fields of mud to organising the Great Grantham Quiz Jess is always keen to raise funds and awareness to support the work of Lightspace. Jess is a mum to Max (7) and Lottie (5) and a member of All Saints Church Barrowby. Jess owns her own food gifting business along with her husband Martin selling confectionery all over the world.
Amanda Beckett - Safeguarding Trustee
Contact: amanda@lightspaceministries.org
Amanda is the safeguarding trustee, joining the team in 2021. She has enjoyed teaching Primary School aged children in a variety of schools in and around the Grantham area since 1995. Amanda is a worship leader and member of Harrowby Lane Methodist Church in Grantham.
Pat Whyte - Schools Consultant
Pat has been involved in children’s work in her various churches for some fifty years, either as a member of the team or leading it. She taught for more than forty years mainly in state schools but also Church schools; this enables her to help support Jennie as she plans the work she takes into our schools.
Matt Farley - Scripture Union
Matt joined the team at Scripture Union as a Mission Enabler in January 2021. He works alongside churches to envision, equip, and support them in their outreach work to children and young people. Scripture Union are working to mobilise churches all around England and Wales to take the Good News of Jesus to those who aren’t yet a part of the Church.