One of the six themes identified in the MAP was 'Outreach' and another was 'Children and Young People'. The theme 'Outreach' is where we aim to develop further contacts with the wider community, at home and abroad. The theme 'Children and Young People' is where we aim to give children and young people every opportunity to become involved in the Christian life by making it more attractive and accessible. Therefore we become 'A church community and local community brought closer to God'.

As a result of the MAP Away Day Rev. Debbie Oades produced a paper about the possibility of setting up a Carers and Toddlers group at St James’s. She went to St Mary’s Church, Staines, to observe their group, and various other research was carried out to discover how different churches organised their groups.

It was decided that the group would be Christian based and non-educational. It was suggested that September 2009 would be the right time to start and in the meantime the PCC gave the idea their blessing.

Debbie Nunn, Suzanne Brett and Carole Greville-Giddings offered their help with the new group. A name, 'St. James's Ark', was chosen and a logo was designed. Other plans were made, an article was placed in the Spire and flyers were produced to advertise the venture. The helpers had their CRB checks and updated their First Aid cover.

The new group started on Monday 14 September 2009 and is open regularly on Monday mornings, in term-time only, from 10.30-12.30 and costs £2 per family.

The group meets in the church but has access to the toilets in the church hall. Once a month a short form of worship is included in the morning's activities.

Refreshments for both adults and children are available at no extra cost with Fairtrade goods being used.

See the St. James's Ark page