Hopes common sense will save sunday schools

SUNDAY SERVICE: Young Christians of the St Davids Union Parish sit with lay resource minister Rosie Staite (from left) Kayla Tanouye 3, Aimee 13, Cameron 5, and Tessa Gridgeman 11, Imogene 8, and Paige Mackay 11, and Jessica Tanouye 8.

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South Canterbury sunday schools are calling for common sense as a review of the Education Act could force them to be licensed.

New Education Minister Chris Carter said in Parliament last week the Education Act required early education centres catering to three or more children under six years of age to be licensed or on a premises exempt from licensing.

The Government has been cracking down on such types of childminding services and has already forced the closure of 10 gym creches.

If seen as an early education centre, sunday schools would have to provide sleeping areas, wash areas, and have personal educational portfolios for every child under their supervision, the same has also been required of gym creches.

A petition was presented to parliament last week protesting closure of creches at gyms and swimming pools and the Government says it is looking at ways to interpret the regulations less rigidly.

St Davids Union Parish lay resource minister Rosie Staite said the church had trained early childhood teachers for the programme run for children during the service.

"Our children are taught with trained teachers.

"However there is a point where common sense must intervene, especially when their parents are just a few rows away."

The younger members of the congregation sat at the back at a table for 10 to 20 minutes colouring in she said.

"It is important they are still part of the service.

"Years ago they were taken out to separate rooms for sunday schools and didn't come back to the church. Generations were lost to the church that way."

Sacred Heart Parish's father Peter Costello said children left the service for about 20 minutes to mostly colour in pictures.

"A group of parents look after the children who are mostly drawing and colouring in pictures of Jesus.

"It is crucial for the church to have these facilities for the little kiddies.

"Changing that would be adding more unnecessary rules and regulations."

Chalmers Church session clerk Ken Falconer said while the church did not have enough numbers of children now to run a sunday school, in the past it had been integral.

"Sunday school has played a big role in the church in the past and it would be real shame to see that minimised."

Timaru Jehovahs Witness congregation member Jeremy Stonier said the church did not have separate sessions for children.

"The spiritual education of children is left up to parents and families at home."

- © Fairfax NZ News