At St Stephen’s Canley, the journey as a Growing Faith Learning Hub has been rooted in prayerful reflection, listening, and intentional relationship-building. Over recent months, time has been dedicated to shaping a clear vision, values, mission, and purpose for the hub, ensuring that its work is grounded in the needs and realities of the local community.
A key part of this process has been deepening understanding of the links between deprivation and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These challenges are not abstract—they are lived experiences for many families connected to both the church and the local school. This awareness has shaped priorities and strengthened the commitment to being a place of welcome, support, and inclusion.
Last term, much of the focus has been on building strong relationships with the school, its staff, pupils, and parents. By listening carefully to their voices, the team has been able to respond in practical and meaningful ways.
One such initiative is a weekly coffee morning centred on parenting skills and SEND support. Though small, it has developed a regular and committed group, offering encouragement, shared experience, and a growing sense of community among those who attend.
Creativity also emerged as a key desire among children, staff, and parent, particularly during lunchtime and after school. In response, an inclusive school choir was launched. With around 20 children attending weekly (and 40 on the register), the choir has quickly become a joyful and engaging space. Many of those involved have SEND, and the sessions are intentionally accessible. Led by Amy, the choir blends worship songs with Makaton, musical skill-building, and moments of fun and laughter.
Within church life, steps have also been taken to become more accessible and welcoming, particularly for children and young people with additional needs. Changes have included simplifying service structures, reducing transitions, and introducing visual timetables. These adjustments are helping to create a calmer, more inclusive environment where everyone can participate more fully.
The church continues to listen carefully to the voices of children and families as it seeks to grow in accessibility and hospitality.
There is much to look forward to in the coming months. Plans are underway for further iSingPop dance workshops in school, with a focus on equipping Year 5 pupils as worship and dance leaders in collective worship and on the playground.
Creative projects will also contribute to preparations for the Canley Parade in June, where children will help create art and craft pieces on the theme of World Peace. Meanwhile, the school choir is eager to begin performing in front of peers and parents—an exciting next step in its development.
The team is also exploring the development of an after-school shared play space, designed particularly with SEND families in mind. The vision is to create a place of belonging, community, and prayer. Alongside this, there is a hope to grow a small, dedicated team of regular volunteers who share and support the vision of the hub.
Find out more about St Stephen's on their Facebook page.
Watch a video about St Stephen's Growing Faith Learning Hub here.