Introduction

The 1st Kibworth Scout Group Behaviour Policy is designed to provide a framework for the responsibilities of Leaders, parents and young people in the group.

The Leaders devote a considerable amount of their time to planning and preparing activities for the young people to give them opportunities to grow and develop through activities and games. The Leaders are all volunteers.

We accept that the children are not in school, however, we do expect the same level of respect they would show to teachers/classmates to be displayed toward both the Leaders and other members of the group.

Our meetings are for a short period each week and it is unfair on everybody if time is disrupted trying to maintain control when a small number of individuals cause disruption.

The discipline procedures outlined in this policy will ultimately involve the parents, as young people generally behave better when parents are informed. In the worst-case scenario, a persistently disruptive young person will be asked to leave the group.

Our policy is for the members to follow the Scout Promise, made when they were enrolled in the group and reconfirmed as they move up through the sections.

As Scouts, we are guided by the following values:

• Integrity: We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

• Respect: We have self-respect and respect for others.

• Care: We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

• Belief: We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

• Co-operation: We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

A young person will not be invested unless they show they understand the promise which usually takes several weeks. To support this, a young person will not be invested until 4 weeks have been completed (satisfactory attendance for 4 meetings). During this period, the young person will learn about Scouting, get to know the Leaders and learn about our Behaviour Policy.

Reasonable adjustments

At Scouts we are an inclusive organisation and want everyone to have the same great experience. We understand that some young people may have additional needs (diagnosed or otherwise) and/or be experiencing difficult times in their lives. As such we need to know this information in advance, both in person and recorded on OSM, to enable us to better understand the potential behavioural challenges that may occur and support them in the best possible way. 

As volunteers, our Leaders may request additional information to support the young person and/or parent assistance during meetings. This can help us with planning support strategies and to make reasonable adjustments to meet their needs. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Some young people may benefit from an Individual Support Plan (similar to those used in schools etc) to help the leaders make reasonable adjustments. You can find out more about these on the Scouts website by following this link - https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/including-disabled-and-neurodivergent-people/planning-individual-support. Please speak to our leaders if you would like to discuss this further.

Behaviour Code – 1st Kibworth Scout Group

We undertake to keep to the following behaviour code and understand that not doing so will result in a Verbal warning, a Yellow Card and then a Red Card. ‘We’ refers to all our Young People.

• We will come along to meetings regularly, on time and in proper uniform.

• We will come to meetings to enjoy ourselves and have fun, understanding that we all need to respect each other and the promises that we have made.

• We will join in and work as a team.

• We will listen to and respect each other.

• We will be inclusive to everyone.

• We will be respectful and pay attention during quiet times, ceremonies or when a leader is talking.

• We will accept instructions from our Leaders and Parent Helpers. We will ask politely if we do not understand.

• We will not deliberately break the rules, cheat or disrupt games/activities.

• We will change our behaviour when warned if we have not noticed ourselves.

• We will look after and respect equipment and property belonging to the Scout Group or other persons.

• We will never bully, harass or pick on anyone.

• Parents will communicate with the Leaders of the section if they know about any concerns or problems that might affect their child’s involvement or behaviour.

• Electronic devices (excl. smart watches) must not be taken on camps, activities or to weekly meetings unless specifically authorised to in advance.

• Parents must take note of specific requirements for activities or camps, including kit requirements or items not to be brought.

Parents or young individuals who believe they have been treated unfairly are encouraged to first discuss the matter with their Section Leader. If concerns persist, they may escalate the issue to the Group Lead Volunteer as a secondary step. The GLV can be contacted via join@1stkibworth.org.uk 

Examples of poor behaviour (not limited to):

• Unwanted physical contact with another member

• Bullying

• Selfish or deliberate acts not in the interest of the other members or Leaders

• Aggressiveness

• Consistent disinterest in the Scouting Laws, Promise and activities

• Using electronic devices during meetings (unless authorised to do so)

• Lying

• Disrupting games by cheating or not accepting a decision (eg being ‘out’)

• Being disrespectful

• Engaging in the use of offensive, abusive, sexist, or racially derogatory language.

• Stealing

• Walking away from the group or activity location

• Behaving in a manner dangerous to themselves or others

Example of good behaviour (not limited to):

• Following instructions well

• Good manners

• Patience, sharing and generosity

• Following the Scouting Law and promise

• Good self-control and awareness

• Eagerness to learn and interest in Scouting

• Showing enthusiasm even when the activity may not be our primary interest

• Cleaning up after activities

• Helping others

• Respecting others

• Arriving on time and in the correct uniform

Behaviour Notifications

We recognise that everyone has difficult moments. When behaviours do not match the Behaviour Code, our first response will always be to speak with the young person to understand what is happening, offer guidance on what needs to change and encourage them to remember the Behaviour Code their section created. Most situations are resolved at this stage.

Verbal Warning

If the behaviour of a young person, or group of young people continues to be below that stated in the ‘Behaviour Code’, the young person/s involved will be taken aside by a Leader and warned about their behaviour.

The young person/s will be told that if the behaviour does not improve, a Yellow Card will be issued.

The Leader will talk to the parents at the end of the meeting to establish a possible underlying cause. If this is not possible during the evening, contact will be made via email at the Leader’s earliest convenience. The verbal warning will also be recorded on OSM. Recurrent Verbal Warnings will be reviewed by Leaders and may be discussed with the GLV to consider if escalation to a Yellow Card is considered necessary – the Young Person and their parents will be advised.

Yellow Card

If the Young Person’s poor behaviour persists following a verbal warning, or if their poor behaviour is significant enough on its own, a Yellow Card will be issued.

A Yellow Card will be given for (not limited to):

• Consistent talking when expected to listen

• Consistent disruptive behaviour, including wandering off during activities

• Use of inappropriate language or name-calling

• Failure to adhere to reasonable instructions from leaders, leading to high risk or disruption

• Damaging or destroying property

• Violating the electric device policy

The Leader will talk to the parents at the end of the meeting to discuss the situation. This will be followed up with an email in the standard format as detailed below. The Yellow Card will be recorded on OSM. If a Young Person receives two Yellow Cards within a term this will be reviewed by the Leaders and GLV to consider if escalation to a Red Card is considered necessary – the Young Person and their parents will be advised.

Yellow Card Letter

Dear Parents,

(Young person’s name) has breached the Behaviour Code of the 1st Kibworth Scout Group behaviour policy and has been issued with a Yellow Card.

The yellow card will remain active on their record for the remainder of this term (and the following term if the yellow card is received on the last session of the previous term).

If their behaviour does not improve, they may be issued a Red Card. If a Red Card is issued parents may be required to collect their child immediately from the session and will be required to attend the next session with the Young Person.

If they receive a further Red Card, they may be asked to leave the Group.

Full details can be found within our Behaviour Policy available on our website at www.1stkibworth.org.uk/policies/behaviour-policy

We welcome your support to best help your child within Scouting and hope they can enjoy their Scouting journey with us.

Red Card

If the Young Person’s poor behaviour persists following a Yellow Card, or if their poor behaviour is significant enough on its own, a Red Card will be issued. The young person/s involved will immediately be asked to sit out the remainder of the meeting and their parents will be called to collect them.

A Red card will be issued straight away for:

• Fighting

• Bullying

• Engaging in the use of offensive, abusive, sexist, or racially derogatory language

The Leader will talk to the parents, if safe to do so depending on the activity and available adults, when the Young Person is collected. This will be followed up with an email in the standard format as detailed below.

The Young Person will need to attend the next meeting with a responsible adult. This will be regardless of the activity planned (including camp) and any money paid will not be reimbursed for any sessions or activities the Young Person may miss. The Red Card will be recorded on OSM.

If necessary (depending on the nature of the behaviour) a meeting may be held with the parents, Section Leader and Group Scout Leader to discuss the young person’s behaviour. This meeting will be necessary if a young person receives two Red Cards within two consecutive terms. If conditions set at this meeting are not met within an agreed time frame, or a further Red Card is issued within two consecutive terms, the young person will be asked to leave the group.

Red Card Letter

Dear Parents,

(Young person’s name) has breached the Behaviour Code of 1st Kibworth Scout Group behaviour policy and has been issued with a Red Card.

They are unable to attend the next activity, without a responsible adult attending with them for the duration of that activity. If this restriction results in them missing activities, any money paid will not be reimbursed.

The Leaders will also discuss the incident with the Group Lead Volunteer who may contact you via email if it is felt that additional requirements must be met before the young person may return.

The Red Card will remain active on their record for two consecutive terms.

If they receive a further Red Card, they may be asked to leave the Group.

Full details can be found within our Behaviour Policy available on our website at www.1stkibworth.org.uk/policies/behaviour-policy

We welcome your support to best help your child within Scouting and hope they can enjoy their Scouting journey with us.