They’ve closed the allotments near the office. The gate is locked. The sign says a new pond is being created for a colony of great crested newts. No access allowed while the work is done. However, we are reassured that a licensed newt handler will be on site at all times.
Intrigued, I checked out how to get a licence. You need plenty of experience of working on great crested newt surveys – and two referees who’ve worked with you and can confirm you’re able to handle the newts safely and do surveys correctly. You can then apply to Natural England for a licence – though you may not get one.
Hmm… interesting. You need experience, training and commendations to get a licence to work with newts. Yet most people in Christian children’s work have no training at all. Yes, they need a CRB check to ensure there’s no legal reason why they can’t be with children – a right and proper concern that we provide a safe environment – but no training at all to teach God’s Word to them. Hence this week’s series of blogs. A few blog posts can’t replace attending training events, or on-the-job training from an experienced leader – but hopefully these will at least be a helpful start.
We’ll look at what the Bible says about our role, why we always need to start with the Bible passage, how to get the best out of published teaching material, and – the big one for many children’s groups – the secret to effective discipline!
Alison Mitchell is a senior editor at The Good Book Company, where she has worked on a range of products including Bible-reading notes for children and families, and the Christianity Explored range of resources. She is the best-selling author of The Christmas Promise and the award-winning Jesus and the Lions' Den.
Helen