Behaviour Policy

We want all young people to enjoy Scouts in a safe, friendly and respectful environment.

This policy explains the behaviour we expect from young people, how leaders support positive behaviour, and what steps may be taken if behaviour causes concern.

Our expectations

• be kind, respectful and inclusive
• listen to leaders and follow instructions
• take part positively in games and activities
• look after equipment and the Scout Hut
• avoid bullying, harassment, unsafe behaviour or offensive language

Supporting young people

We understand that some young people may have additional needs or may be going through difficult times. Parents and carers should let leaders know about anything that may affect their child’s behaviour, wellbeing or participation so we can support them appropriately.

Behaviour process

If behaviour falls below expectations, leaders will normally use a staged approach:

• Verbal warning – a quiet reminder and opportunity to change behaviour
• Yellow Card – used where behaviour continues or causes significant disruption
• Red Card – used for serious incidents or repeated behaviour concerns

Parents will be contacted where behaviour concerns arise. In serious or repeated cases, a young person may be asked to miss meetings or, in exceptional circumstances, leave the Group.

Full Behaviour Policy

Behaviour Code – 1st Chalfont St Giles Scout Group

We undertake to keep to the following behaviour code and understand that not doing so may 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 or Patrols.
• We will listen to and respect each other.
• We will be inclusive to everyone.
• We will be respectful during quiet times, ceremonies or when a leader is talking.
• We will accept instructions from leaders, Young Leaders, Lodge Leaders, Sixers, Patrol Leaders and parent helpers.
• We will not deliberately break the rules, cheat or disrupt games or activities.
• We will change our behaviour when warned.
• We will look after and respect equipment and property belonging to the Scout Group or others.
• We will never bully, harass or pick on anyone.
• Parents will communicate with section leaders if they know about any concerns or issues that may affect their child’s involvement or behaviour.
• Electronic devices, excluding smart watches, must not be taken on camps, activities or to weekly meetings unless specifically authorised 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 may wish them to carry a mobile phone for safety reasons. In this specific situation, please ensure the Scout is told that their phone must be switched off when they arrive and not used until the session has finished.

Parents or young people who believe they have been treated unfairly should first discuss the matter with their Section Leader. If concerns continue, they may escalate the issue to the Group Lead Volunteer via gsl@csg-scouts.org.

Behaviour that may cause concern

• unwanted physical contact with another member
• not following instructions
• overly boisterous behaviour
• bullying
• selfish or deliberate acts not in the interest of other members or leaders
• aggressive behaviour
• consistent disinterest in the Scout Law, Promise or activities
• using electronic devices during meetings unless authorised
• lying or cheating
• being disrespectful
• using offensive, abusive, sexist or racially derogatory language
• stealing
• walking away from the group or activity location
• risk-taking behaviour

Examples of positive behaviour

• following instructions well
• good manners
• patience, sharing and generosity
• following the Scout Law and Promise
• good self-control and awareness
• eagerness to learn and take part
• showing enthusiasm
• cleaning up after activities
• helping others
• respecting others
• arriving on time and in the correct uniform

Consistent good behaviour over a term may result in a review of any Yellow or Red Cards.

For Beavers and Cubs, notable positive behaviour may be rewarded with Beaver or Cub of the Week.

Consistent positive behaviour may also support a young person in becoming a Lodge Leader, Sixer, Patrol Leader or Seconder.

Warnings and Cards

Verbal Warning

If a young person’s behaviour falls below the Behaviour Code, they may be taken aside by a leader and reminded of the expected behaviour. The leader may also use a short time out to allow the young person to reflect and to support the safety and enjoyment of others.

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

The leader will usually speak to parents at the end of the meeting. If this is not possible, contact may be made by email. The issue may also be recorded on OSM.

Yellow Card

If poor behaviour continues after a verbal warning, or if behaviour is significant enough on its own, a Yellow Card may be issued.

A Yellow Card may be given for issues including, but not limited to:

• consistent talking when expected to listen
• consistent disruptive behaviour
• wandering off during activities
• inappropriate language or name-calling
• failure to follow reasonable instructions
• damaging property
• breaching the electronic device policy

Parents will be informed. A Yellow Card may result in the young person missing the next meeting, regardless of the activity planned, including camp. Any money paid for a missed activity will not normally be refunded.

The Yellow Card will normally remain on the young person’s record for six months.

Red Card

If poor behaviour continues after a Yellow Card, or if behaviour is serious enough on its own, a Red Card may be issued. The young person may be asked to sit out the remainder of the meeting and parents may be contacted to collect them.

A Red Card may be issued straight away for serious issues including:

• fighting
• bullying
• offensive, abusive, sexist or racially derogatory language

A Red Card may result in the young person missing the following two meetings. This applies regardless of the activity planned, including camp. Any money paid will not normally be refunded.

A meeting must be held with the parents, Section Leader and Group Lead Volunteer before the young person returns.

The Red Card will normally remain on the young person’s record for six months.

In serious or repeated cases, a young person may be asked to leave the Group.

Further Scout 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

The safety and wellbeing of young people is our priority. Adults in Scouts are committed to taking the interests and wellbeing of young people into account, respecting their rights, wishes and feelings, and taking reasonable steps to protect them from harm.

Anti-bullying

Bullying in any form is unacceptable. We aim to create a positive and respectful environment where everyone is valued and differences are respected.

If parents or young people have concerns about bullying or behaviour, they should speak to their Section Leader in the first instance.