Behaviour Policy
Our volunteers freely give their time to create rewarding experiences for young people. We ask all members and families to respect that commitment by ensuring children attend ready to participate, listen, cooperate, and contribute positively to the group experience for everyone.
Statement
Scouts groups are not a childcare provider, babysitting service, or educational establishment. Attendance at our activities is voluntary. Any participant who refuses to cooperate or follow instructions will be issued one warning and then required to leave the activity immediately.
Whilst we have a duty to provide a safe and organised environment, our volunteers are responsible for the wellbeing and supervision of the whole group and can not provide continuous one-to-one behaviour management for children.
Expected Behaviour
Code of Conduct that all Children have agreed to.
- Treat others with respect.
- Follow instructions from leaders and volunteers.
- Participate safely in activities.
- Avoid behaviour that disrupts the experience of others.
- Act in a manner consistent with the values of Scouting, including respect, cooperation and care for others.
Activity is paused and expected behaviour is explained to everyone. A clear 5 minute timeout for reflection is given to the child and the parent gets notified.
Further warnings will result in asking the child to wait for their parents to collect them from the activity.
Behaviour Process
First Incident
If a child’s behaviour is unacceptable, a leader will issue one verbal warning and explain the expected behaviour. A set timeout of 5 minutes; in safe place where further disruption cannot take place and the leader will have time to inform parents of first warning.
The parent or carer will be notified immediately that a warning has been issued and will be directed to this policy.
By doing this; the leaders have to stop the activity and inform the whole group clearly that a warning is being issued to parent of child. This if for transparency on the whole group and clearly communicates to the child action is being taken. Activity resume after parents informed.
Further Incident
If disruptive behaviour continues after the warning, the parent or carer will be contacted and required to arrange immediate collection of their child. A violation (red card) will be recorded against the child.
This applies to all activities, including:
- Regular meetings
- Indoor activities
- Outdoor activities
- 3rd party activities
- Camps
The child will not be permitted to continue participating in that activity once collection has been requested.
Ongoing Concerns
If a child collects 2 red cards within 12 months of each other; parents will asked to attend a short meeting to discuss ongoing behaviour. If it is considered that their participation is having a significant negative impact on the enjoyment, safety, welfare of others; we will explore POR 3.7 around suspension of membership and a short report will be sent to district.
Parent and Carer Support
Parents and carers are expected to support this policy and work constructively with volunteers when behaviour concerns arise. Where there are known medical, behavioural, neurodiverse, developmental, or additional support needs that may affect participation, parents should discuss these with leaders in advance so reasonable adjustments can be considered where practical.
Warning message
(Name) has been issued a warning during the activity and have been asked to reflect on their actions for 5 minutes. Please be aware that you may have to collect your child earlier than expected if another warning is issued. https://www.8thmacc.org.uk/behave