Parents FAQ
If your child is interested in Scouting, or you’re keen for them to become involved, take a look at some of the questions we’re most frequently asked by parents and carers.
How can my child benefit from joining Scouts?
In an independent survey of over 2,000 parents of Scouts, nine out of ten parents said Scouting is worthwhile and nine in ten said their children find Scouting enjoyable.
As your child progresses through Scouts you should be able to see signs of the impact their Scouting adventure has on them.
Parents tell us Scouting gives their children more confidence, responsibility and a broader set of friends. Scouting can help develop your child’s social skills and encourage self-sufficiency, and gives them access to activities and opportunities that may have been otherwise unavailable to them. A huge number of parents agreed that since their child joined Scouting, family life was easier and they were ‘nicer children to live with’.
My child has a disability or additional need; can they join Scouts?
The Scout Association is committed to being inclusive of all young people, regardless of ability or disability and has a clear Equal Opportunities Policy. There is flexibility within Scouting and all Scout groups should make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support the inclusion of young people with disabilities or additional needs.
Scouting is delivered by adult volunteers and is not a statutory provision (such as the education system, for example); however we endorse systems of supporting our volunteers with inclusion. We encourage local volunteers to meet with the parents/carers of the young person to discuss their individual needs and plan support strategies. In some locations there are also volunteers specialising in supporting inclusion. However, despite this and the best efforts of our volunteers, there may be situations where a particular Group does not have the capacity or resources to meet the needs of a young person or make the reasonable adjustments necessary. In such instances, local volunteers can work with the parents/carers, to find an alternative Group.
You can contact the Scout Information Centre who can provide information and put you in touch with local volunteers, to discuss and find out about local Groups. If further support or information is required, you can contact the Diversity and Inclusion team at Headquarters on diversity.inclusion@scouts.org.uk
Is Scouts a religious organisation?
The Scout Association is an inclusive and values-based Movement. Membership is open to young people and adults of all faiths and beliefs, including the absence of an affirmed faith, humanists or atheists, who share our values. Our values are integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation. A key element of the programme is spiritual development and exploring different faiths, beliefs and attitudes. There are a range of variations of the Promise (a commitment made by all members), to account for different age ranges, faith and beliefs and nationalities (including those who are stateless).
We’re moving to a new area, can I transfer my child to a new Scout Group?
If you’re moving to a new area, transferring to a new Scout Group can be a great way of helping your child settle in and make friends. You should let your child’s current leader know as soon as you can that you’re planning to move.
When you know where you’re moving to, you can contact the local Group directly.
You can also call the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818. They will be able to put you in touch with a Group in your new area.
If you’re moving abroad, the Information Centre will be able to give you the details of the Scout organisation in that country.
My child is moving up a section; what do I need to do to help them prepare?
When the time comes to move up to the next age range, a young person can have mixed feelings: excitement at moving on, sadness at leaving friends behind. Making the transition as smooth as possible goes a long way to helping your child settle into their new section.
First of all you need to check what the process involves with your child’s current Section Leader as it can vary locally. You might need to put your child on a waiting list for the next section or, in some cases, it may happen automatically.
You should also ask whether the new Section Leader will be in touch or if you have to contact them first. Also, be aware that meeting times and places may be different in the next section.
If your child has friends in their section that they want to move up with, make sure that the Section leader knows about this so that they can help if possible. This could also be a good opportunity to arrange sharing transport to and from meetings.
How much does it cost to send my child to Scouts?
This will vary depending on your Group but it is likely to be between £2 – £3 per week, which is collected weekly, monthly, every term or annually, depending on local arrangements. This fee usually covers the cost of the hire or upkeep of the meeting place. Trips, camps and activities are usually charged separately.
Cost should not be a barrier to anyone taking part in Scouting and if this is an issue, you can speak to the local Section Leader in confidence.
Is there a planned programme of activities for Scouts?
Yes. Behind the fun of Scouting, there is an educational programme that was reviewed and launched in January 2015 following extensive consultation with our leaders and young people. While each Group will undertake different activities, the main programme themes are Outdoor and Adventure, Skills, and World. Group Leaders are trained to deliver this programme.
What do Scouts wear and where can I buy it?
Scouts wear a uniform depending on the age range. All Scouts (adults and young people) wear a coloured scarf or neckerchief, the colour of which varies depending on the Group. Uniform can either be bought from Scout Shops or your local district Scout Shop (the adults in your child’s Group will be able to give you more information).
How should badges be placed on the Scout uniform?
The placement of badges on uniform varies between sections. The PDF diagrams below should help:
Beavers
Badge placement diagram for beavers
Cubs
Badge placement diagram for Cub Scouts
Scouts
Badge placement diagram for Scouts
Explorers
Badge placement diagram for Explorer Scouts
Beavers
Young people thrive in safe surroundings. We’re committed to ensuring that Scouting is both enjoyable and safe for everyone who takes part, along with providing parents with peace of mind.
Appointing those who work with young people
All volunteers who help to run our activities give their time freely to help young people enjoy Scouting. Leaders are interviewed locally and asked to provide references. Everyone working with young people in Scouting is asked to undertake a Criminal Record Check, sometimes known as a ‘police check’.
Code of behaviour
We have a clear code of behaviour which is given to all adults working in Scouting, regardless of their role. This is also included in the training that leaders receive and offers advice about how young people should be treated. We expect everyone to follow it. If you volunteer to help out with an activity, you’ll be given one too, and if you would like to see a copy of the code of behaviour for adults, just ask any of your child’s leaders or visit the safeguarding area of our website.
Training
We expect all leaders to take courses in basic first aid and child protection. Special training is provided for those taking young people away on residential events like camps and sleepovers.
Outings and camps
All leaders taking young people on outings or camps will give you notice in writing, ask for your permission and provide you with a method of contacting the group while they are away. We will never ask to take individual young people away on their own or without another adult being present.
What to do if you have concerns
If you are unhappy with anything relating to your child’s time in Scouting you should raise it with your child’s leaders. If you would rather speak to someone else, please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.
The Scout Association also has a complaints procedure
For more information view our Safe and Sound leaflet for parents.
