Behaviour Policy
Introduction
The 1st Chalfont St. Giles 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 PROMISE made when they were enrolled in the group and reconfirmed as they move up through the sections. Young people must also follow the guidelines of the Scout Method which is detailed later along with the Scout Association’s Safeguarding and Anti-Bullying policies.
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.
We understand that some young people may have additional needs, (diagnosed or otherwise) and/or be experiencing difficult times in their lives. 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. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
As Leaders of Scouts, we are required to operate within the framework of the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). The POR provides support and guidance to help us all run Scouting. This document is available for anyone to download and view at the Scout Association website via the link below:
Scouting’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR)
The group leaders will do their best to help your young person in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Behaviour Code – 1st Chalfont St Giles 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 particularly when in our Lodges / Sixes / Patrols which we understand may not be grouped with existing friendship groups.
- We will listen to and respect each other.
- We will be inclusive to everyone, however they may appear to differ from us.
- We will be respectful and pay attention during quiet times, ceremonies or when a leader is talking.
- We will accept instructions from our Leaders / Lodge Leaders / Sixers / Patrol 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.
* We are aware that some Scouts arrive for meetings alone and parents wish them to carry a mobile phone for safety reasons. In this specific situation, please ensure that the Scout is told that their phone is to be ‘switched off’ when they arrive at the meeting and not used until the session has concluded.
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 Scout Leader as a secondary step. The GSL can be contacted via gsl@csg-scouts.org
Examples of poor behaviour (not limited to):
- Unwanted physical contact with another member
- Disobedience
- Overly boisterous
- 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
- Cheating
- Being ungrateful or greedy
- 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
- Risk-taking behaviour (activity-specific)
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
Consistent good behaviour over a term will result in a review of any Yellow and Red cards which may result in the removal of an awarded Red or Yellow card.
For Beavers/Cubs, notable good behaviour will be rewarded with Beaver/Cub of the Week.
Consistent good behaviour will support the young person to achieve being a Lodge / Six / Patrol Leader / Seconder.
Notifications
Verbal Warning
If the behaviour of a young person, or group of young people is considered to have fallen 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 Leader may choose to give a time out to allow time to reflect on their behaviour and for the safety/enjoyment of others.
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. This will also be recorded on OSM.
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. The young person/s involved will have a time out decided by the leader to reflect on their behaviour and for the safety/enjoyment of others.
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 young person will be absent from the upcoming meeting, regardless of the planned activity, including camp. Any funds paid for the missed event will not be refunded. The yellow card will be retained on the young person’s record for six months from the date of issuance.
Yellow Card Letter
Dear Parents,
(Young person’s name) has breached the following section(s) of the 1st Chalfont St Giles Scout Group behaviour policy and has been issued with a Yellow Card.
Reason for card
They will miss next week’s meeting and will be welcome to return the following week on (date of meeting). If (Young person’s name) is a Beaver Lodge Leader, Cub Sixer / Seconder & Scout Patrol Leader / Seconder, they are at risk of losing their stripes.
The yellow card will remain on their record for six months.
If their behaviour does not improve, they may be issued a Red Card, resulting in missing 2 meetings and requiring a meeting with the Section Leader and the Group Scout Leader before they can return.
If they receive a further Red Card, they will be asked to leave the Group.
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 at the earliest opportunity 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 miss the following 2 meetings. This will be regardless of the activity planned (including camp) and any money paid will not be reimbursed. The red card will be retained on the young person’s record for six months from the date of issuance.
A meeting must be held with the parents, Section Leader and Group Scout Leader to discuss the young person’s behaviour. The young person will not be able to attend meetings until this meeting has been held.
Red Card Letter
Dear Parents,
(Young person’s name) has breached the following section(s) of the 1st Chalfont St Giles Scout Group behaviour policy and has been issued with a Red Card.
Reason for card
They will miss the next two meetings and will be unable to return until we have held a meeting with you, the Section Leader, and the Group Scout Leader to discuss the matter and try to resolve the reasons why this behaviour is recurring.
The Red Card will remain on their record for six months.
If (Young person’s name) is a Beaver Lodge Leader, Cub Sixer / Seconder & Scout Patrol Leader / Seconder, they will lose their stripes at this time.
If conditions set at this meeting are not adhered to within a reasonable time frame and/or a subsequent Red Card is issued within 6 months, your child will be asked to leave the Group.
We welcome your support to best help your child within Scouting and hope they can enjoy their Scouting journey with us.
The Scout Association: Further behavioural information
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
- Enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- Take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- Learn by doing
- Share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise
Safeguarding Policy
It’s the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of those members aged under 18 as well as adults at risk by protecting them from neglect and physical, sexual and emotional harm.
As adults in Scouts, the safety of young people is our priority. We’re committed to:
- Taking the interests and well-being of young people into account, in all our considerations and activities.
- Respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom we work.
- Taking all reasonable and practicable steps to protect them from neglect, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
- Promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a position of trust.
Anti-bullying Policy
The Scout Association Anti-Bullying Policy states:
‘It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting to help develop a caring and supportive atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable.’
This applies to everyone within Scouting – adults and young people.
In Scouting, we create positive and respectful environments where we value and celebrate our differences. This makes it difficult for bullying to occur. However, at some time we will all have experienced bullying, either as a target or an observer. That’s why all adults and young people must understand their role in addressing and preventing bullying.