Babies & children
For a summary of what’s on for children and young people at St Paul’s this term, click here. If you would like to find out more about any of the activities listed below, please be in touch with youth@stmatthewstpaul.org. Do let us know if there is anything you would be willing to help with, or a new initiative you would like to start.
St Paul’s @ 4
This is an informal service for families and young children at 4 pm on the second Sunday of each month at St Paul’s. We sing songs, have Bible stories, pray together and do craft activities. There is a picnic tea afterwards. It’s ideal for toddlers, pre-schoolers and Key Stage 1, but all are welcome. On 9 July we are turning it into a summer party, and then we will next meet in September.
Sunday activities
During the Sunday 9.30 am services at St Paul’s there is a DIY crèche for babies as needed. On the first Sunday of each month we generally have a shorter Holy Communion, with children staying throughout the service and acting in a drama. On all other weeks there are age-appropriate group activities for children in the hall and parish rooms, including craft, stories and games.
Once a month there are youth groups for school years 3–6 and 7–11 at St Paul’s from 5.30 to 7 pm. Do join us for lots of games, great food and plenty of fun!
Junior servers
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 may like to join the wonderful team of junior servers at our 9.30 am Holy Communion. Please contact the parish office. This is a lovely way for children to be involved, giving them responsibility and helping to enhance our worship.
Annual Show
The Annual Show is a wonderful community event performed by our children and young people along with pupils from Western Primary and Westgate Lower schools. Usually held in January or February at St Paul’s, the show is a chance for children of all ages to get involved in whatever way they are comfortable – acting, dancing and singing.
Toddler group
This is for families with children up to three years old, and meets in the parish rooms and on the meadow behind St Paul’s every Friday in term time from 9.30 to 11 am. Activities include crafts, playing with toys, games and actions songs. Refreshments are provided. If you would like to attend, please contact youth@stmatthewstpaul.org, or just come along. Newcomers are very welcome.
St Paul’s Pre-school
This meets 9 am–3 pm every weekday during Hampshire County Council term time on our St Paul’s site and is OFSTED registered, a member of the Early Years Learning Alliance and registered with Hampshire County Council. Children are welcomed from the age of 2 years 6 months up to school age. Contact Silvia Brown 9 am–12.15 pm on 07879 645600. For admissions please contact admissions@
Florian School of Dance
Florian is one of the most successful and well-respected dance schools in the area. Annette FitzGerald and her fully qualified team provide a high level of teaching while keeping classes fun. They have ballet classes for ages 3 and up, with Royal Academy of Dance ballet, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing modern & tap, jazz and contemporary dance. For more information please visit the Florian website.
Western Church School
We are delighted to have excellent links with our local Western Church of England Primary School, where our clergy take regular assemblies. Children from Western are often involved in church events and festivals, singing at services and taking part in the annual show or dance and drama workshop each winter. Church members Vicki Tibbitts and Helen Jesty are Foundation Governors, with Vicki serving as Chair of Governors.
Westgate School
We have a good relationship with the Westgate School, an all-through comprehensive in the parish. Our clergy take assemblies there.
