Children & Young People

Children & Young People

The Abbey enjoys a great commitment to children and young people. This important work is co-ordinated by the Children and Youth Team. We have many children and youth leaders, including a member of the full-time clergy the Revd Austin Janes whose role is focused on work with young people.

Sunday Club & Crèche in the Crypt

During term times the Abbey Sunday Club meets for fun, fellowship and learning. All are welcome. Everyone meets together in church for the start of the service and then the children leave when directed. Crèche in the Crypt (not the Belfry) is available every Sunday of the year, other than Second Sundays when all ages are in church together.

Sunday Club has a great curriculum and several classes for different age groups. The children rejoin the service in time for the Lord's Prayer. Sunday Club children perform their annual Nativity Play in the Abbey and there is the three hour activity afternoon on Good Friday.

Abbey Tots

Meeting on Tuesday mornings in term-time in the crypt, this hugely popular parent and toddler group is open to all. Each weekly session begins at 10.00am, with toys, drinks and biscuits followed by a little sing-song for pre-school children and their carers.

Teddy Bear Service

Bring your teddy bear to church for this short time of interactive worship for pre-school children, led by Abbey Bear himself. Meet in the Lady Chapel on the third Wednesday of every month at 10am, followed by refreshments and toys in the Crypt.

Xcite

Meeting on Fridays evenings in the Crypt from 7.30-9pm, this youth group is for 8 to 12 year olds. There are fun activities within a Christian context including fun and games, outings, and other exciting events. The Xcite programme is available on request from the Revd Austin Janes.

Abbey Youth

Our older teenagers meet on Sunday evenings from 6.30pm in the Crypt. A mixture of discussion, club nights and off-site activities make this the place to be. There are also regular house groups and residential trips. The Abbey Youth programme is available on request from the Revd Austin Janes.

Uniformed Organisations

The Abbey is proud to support our uniformed organisations. In Guiding we have Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. In Scouting we have Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. These groups are extremely popular. To make an enquiry please use the following contacts:

Rainbows: Ann Hudson (Tel: 01727 860631) 

Brownies (Wed): Mary Dobbie (Tel: 01727 868864)

Brownies (Fri): Terri Clarke (Tel: 01727 890249)

Guides: Jill Lees (e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

The Abbey takes very seriously all matters regarding the safeguarding of children. The Cathedral Chapter policy on Child Protection is available upon request. The Sub Dean is the Child Care Officer.

Abbey Primary School

The Abbey School is a voluntary aided school affiliated to the Church of England, and it enjoys strong links with St Albans Cathedral, which is its parish church. The schools’ Christian ethos permeates all areas of school life. You can visit the school’s website by clicking on the link below.