Coronavirus

We understand there are still unknowns as the pandemic advice changes and evolves. We want to provide you with all the information we have, about how your local Group may be approaching their Scouts activities. Most Groups have continued online for several months, and are now getting ready to start introducing some face to face activities in smaller Groups. Of course this varies depending on location, Group size, individual circumstances and volunteer availability.

The Government has confirmed that the youth sector is an essential service and therefore Scouts are able to continue to meet in a COVID-safe way independent of social gathering restrictions where they follow Scouts guidance.

As it stands there is no time imposed on Groups by the Scouts, to get back to face to face meetings. The safety of volunteers and young people will always remain number one priority and we will ask for your consent before your child can return to face-to-face Scouts. Please speak with your child's Group Leader to find out what their plans are for the coming term.

Your Group will inform you about what you need to do differently when your child starts attending face-to-face activities. In particular where the guidance may be different to what they are doing at school, or other settings. For example, in some parts of the UK the social distancing rules for children at Scouts will be much more restrictive than the ones they know from school. Your leaders will need your help to make sure your child knows what behaviour is expected.

Our COVID status is now yellow.

What does it mean to be COVID safe?

• Comply with social distancing requirements.
• Ensure hygiene levels are maintained, including hand washing, as well as surface and equipment cleaning
• Safely manage any risk to volunteers, young people and the wider community, including a reduction in group sizes where necessary.
• Make sure vulnerable young people and adults can be effectively safeguarded, both in relation to COVID-19, as well as other risk factors.
• Volunteers, parents and young people all clearly understand what adjustments need to be made to ensure everyone's safety, and have had a chance to inform them.