About Bespace
Through contemplative practices, children can discover a vibrant spiritual life
The BeSpace framework for contemplative practices
Since 2010, beginning in Oxfordshire, BeSpace has helped create more than 750 prayer spaces in schools. The spaces are rooted in the teachings, ministry, life and example of Jesus, though children respond personally and draw their own conclusions.
What we’ve learned has become a framework that makes it easy for churches to support schools in facilitating the spiritual formation of children, nurturing their confidence and joy.
A safe space:
Every child needs to feel safe before they can spiritually grow.
We act as a connection point between churches and schools, providing structured guidance for accessible and safe experiences that leave room for creative freedom.
A slow-down space:
Transformation starts in stillness.
Contemplative practices help children access stillness anywhere, and a space designed to spark wonder and focus is the perfect place to learn these practices.
An exploratory space:
Joyful lives are built on personal discoveries.
The sessions provide opportunity for children of all faiths or none to explore questions of faith and engage with their spiritual lives in interactive ways.
“You have created a truly Christian space, but it’s accessible to everyone, which I think is a really difficult thing to do but you’ve done it superbly.”
Headteacher feedback
Our Values
Growth
We seek growth in ourselves & our team, knowing that as we grow together, our team and the children we serve can flourish and reach their God- given potential.
Curiosity
We choose curiosity, stepping into adventure with courage, playfulness and a desire to discover more.
Stillness
We practice stillness as an invitation to pause, encounter God, and find the space where true spiritual growth begins.
Togetherness
Our story
After leaving a career in primary teaching and school leadership, Catherine Clayton joined the leadership team of an emerging initiative called Prayer Spaces in Schools. While supporting the growth of the work nationally, she also felt called to develop the concept in Oxfordshire, where the uptake grew exponentially.
Since the work was so successful, Catherine was eventually encouraged to bring the Oxfordshire prayer space work under a separate charity – this became BeSpace. The first prayer space was created in March 2010. Ten followed the next year, twenty-one the year after, and fifteen years later 165 + schools have been reached.
BeSpace is now looking beyond prayer spaces in schools. We’ve begun helping churches to host retreats and pilgrimages and are starting the journey of creating a contemplative faith formation pathway for children. We’re also talking about how we can support schools in embedding contemplative practices and tools through their wider curriculum.
Our impact so far …
Prayer and reflection spaces in schools
Students impacted
Students impacted in 2024/25 academic year
Thinking about donating?
Support our vision to see every child joyful, resilient and growing spiritually for life.
How to get involved
Go on a journey with us to give children life-long tools for their spiritual journey. Your part in this might include:
Praying
For your local school and/or for the vision and mission of BeSpace.
Running
A space with our framework, such as a prayer space, a retreat, or a pilgrimage.
Fundrasing
For your local school and/or for the vision and mission of BeSpace.
Our Staff Team
Catherine Clayton
Catherine began her career as a primary school teacher before moving into senior leadership and overseeing Religious Education in her school. She was a co-founder of the Prayer Spaces in Schools movement and founded BeSpace. She is passionate about the spiritual growth of children. An accredited coach and trainer, Catherine also coaches those in education so children can flourish, she also enjoys supporting her local school as a governor.
Harriet
Inspired after volunteering at a prayer space in 2018, Harriet now helps facilitate prayer spaces across Oxfordshire. With nine years’ experience in childcare and a strong grounding in prayer through her house church, she creates safe, reflective spaces for children.
Outside work, she enjoys crochet, jigsaws, and her mischievous cat, Sue.
Vicky Roberts
Vicky has volunteered in churches around the world, including children’s and youth work. She is delighted to be working for BeSpace and to see the impact of Prayer Spaces on children. Married with 2 teenage children, she also enjoys sports, wildlife, puzzles and languages.
Our Trustees
Charlie Kerr
Charlie is Priest Vicar for Education and Pilgrimage at Christ Church Cathedral, leading its schools programme. Formerly Chaplaincy Adviser for Schools with the Oxford Diocese, he started his career as a secondary teacher before becoming a school chaplain. A co-author of Space Makers, Charlie brings a deep commitment to education, pilgrimage, and contemplative Christian practice.
Patrick Gale
Patrick has had an extensive career in financial software and retail financial services, holding non-executive director roles for several organisations and acting as trustee for a number of Christian organisations. Patrick brings experience in strategic leadership to BeSpace from business.
Yvonne Morris
Yvonne has over 20 years’ experience in children’s and family ministry. She is the Methodist Church’s Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer for Faith at Home. Previously spending 18+ years leading children’s and family ministry across the Oxford Diocese. A certified Godly Play practitioner and co-author of Space Makers, Yvonne is passionate about helping children connect their stories with God’s story through playful wondering in safe spaces.
Mary Krutz
Our former CEO. Mary left the role In January 2021 to spend time with her young daughter. She brings a wealth knowledge and experience she gained while working for BeSpace.
Gemma Beesley
Gemma is Rector of the Bernwode Benefice in Buckinghamshire. She was a volunteer Area Networker for BeSpace for over 10 years supporting and leading prayers spaces where she was based. She now works with her local school to run prayer spaces in Bernwode. Gemma brings rich, practical experience of prayer spaces.
Our Patron
Rt. Revd Gavin Collins
Gavin is an Area Bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and he’s also the lead bishop for Rural Ministry and for Ministry and Mission. He knows just how vital it is to support children to experience prayer, peace and the love of God. Gavin is an avid Brighton and Hove Albion fan and, in his words, this proves he is a man of faith.