This page provides the latest guidance and advice on how Cheshire Scouts are responding to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated on a regular basis.
- Last updated: 1st October 2020, 18:00
UK Scouting continues to base its guidance and advice on government health advice, which can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Updates from the UK Scout Association (“HQ”) are available here
Bringing everyone back together safely
As lockdown measures start to ease in some locations, The Scouts are working with youth sector partners and government agencies to understand what a safe return to face-to-face Scouts looks like, now the readiness level has reduced from red to Amber in Cheshire.
Amber means: The rate of infection is reducing consistently most parts of the country. Impact on Scouts: Digital Programme delivery, small group sessions can take place indoors and outdoors, no residential activities or camping.
You can now read the framework and the set of guidance on how elements of face-to-face Scouts could take place and the safety measures required. Use this guidance now to start making local plans for how you could implement some face-to-face activities. There is no rush – please work through this in a timeframe that works for you.Bringing everyone back together safely – starting to prepare
8 key steps to getting back to face-to-face Scouting
| Step 1 | Understand the UK Scouts readiness framework Support each other to read, digest and develop an understanding of the Readiness Framework, based on the National Youth Agency Model. See : cheshirescouts.org.uk/coronavirus |
| Step 2 | Discuss your plans with your DC For the next 3 months if you have an idea of an activity or plan to meet discuss it with your DC before you start writing risk assessments |
| Step 3 | Develop your risk assessments Develop written Risk Assessments for the safe return of face to face Scouting in small group sessions – both for delivering activities outdoors only (Amber) and also start to consider how you might safely meet indoors (Yellow). |
| Step 4 | Submit your risk assessment for approval Once you have developed your Risk Assessments, submit your Approval Request using the national approvals system. Please remember that this is not an instant process so please be patient See: www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/scouts-at-home/getting-everyone-back-together-safely/ |
| Step 5 | Review the feedback on your risk assessment Once your risk assessment has been reviewed, you will receive an acknowledgement to inform you as to whether your request has been approved or needs more clarification, as well as guidance on any necessary actions. |
| Step 6 | Implement your risk assessment Once approval is received; ensure that you implement all of the actions detailed within your Risk Assessment to support the safe return to face-to-face activities. Communicate fully with Section Teams and Parents /Carers. |
| Step 7 | Review, change, implement Constantly review your risk assessment to improve it, document any changes and implement further actions as necessary |
| Step 8 | You are good to go |
This is how getting back to face-to-face Scouting risk assessments are approved
(1) Section Leader Prepares Risk Assessment > (2) Group Scout Leaders Checks > (3) District Commissioner Approves > (4) County are Notified and Risk Assessment is Recorded.
Warrington & Halton Update 1.10.20
Unfortunately, it has been announced that further restrictions are being placed on Warrington & Halton, due to recent increases in the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. This action has been taken by the Government in an attempt to control the further spread. After careful consideration, and remaining aligned with the current National Youth Agency and UK Scouts Readiness Framework; Scouting in Warrington & Halton currently remains at the level of Amber, however, to support the aim of trying to reduce the infection, we strongly advise that: –
- Section Leadership Teams consider whether they are all comfortable to continue to run activities within the boundaries of approved risk assessments;
- Parents/carers are consulted as to whether or not they are happy for their young people to take part in outdoor activities within the boundaries of approved risk assessments;
- The preference is that only outdoor activities are organised in Warrington & Halton while these additional restrictions are in place. Indoor activities can still take place within the boundaries of approved risk assessments and with the express permission of your local DC.
- Other than supporting the delivery of a Scout activity adults MUST follow the national guidance of rule of six and in Warrington & Halton the local guidance around different households not mixing.
County Support Documents
Exemplar Documentation
- 1st Great Sutton Everything you need to know about the Amber Activity Days
- 1st Great Sutton – Outside the HQ – Covid-19 Risk Assessment
- 1st Great Sutton – Outside the HQ – Activity Risk Assessment
- 2nd Bollington – Fires & Axes – Covid-19 Risk Assessment
- Best Practice Risk Assessment Examples
FAQ’s
1) How will the approval process actually work in practice?
Most Groups, Districts and Counties will agree a process to meet their responsibilities in checking and approving risk assessments. Most Executive Committees will give delegated authority to a small number of people who are prepared to support this process. Sectional Leaders should be discussing their ideas and plans with GSL’s, who in turn will be discussing the Groups plans with their DC.
2) Is there any help in writing risk assessments?
HQ are planning a webinar and video to help with this over the coming months. You can find help and advice at www.scouts.org.uk/events/keeping-everyone-safe-webinar-series
3) Why is Scouting moving at a different pace to other organisations?
Scouting is following the agreed government framework through the NYA and in many ways is ahead of other youth organisations in providing support and guidance. Whatever your personal views it is important to remember that the provision of all Scouting activities (with its insurance cover) is governed by UK Scouting – so please following the UK Scouting guidance at all time.
4) What’s the rush to get back to face-to-face Scouting?
There is no rush. All Leaders need to work together to bring Scouting back to some sort of norm at a speed that works for them.
Scouting from Home:
Keep Scouting!
During the current suspension of face-to-face Scouting, youth members should be encouraged to continue their Scouting activities at home.
This can be done in two ways:
If you have any Scouting from Home resources that you would like to share with your fellow volunteers, please email them to homescouting@cheshirescouts.org.uk
While we are not meeting face-to-face we are encouraging our leaders and other volunteers to develop ways of delivering Scouting for young people at home.
Useful Resources:
See these useful resources developed by Youth UK:
Forest Camp Activity Centre:
Forest Camp Activity Centre is closed until further notice. Any Scout or Guide Groups booked at Forest Camp Activity Centre have been contacted regarding the postponement of their booking until face-to-face Scouting is resumed. Private bookings will be honoured.
Tatton Park Activity Centre:
Tatton Park Activity Centre is closed until further notice and we don’t expect to reopen until late September at the earliest. Any Scout or Guide Groups booked at Tatton Park Activity Centre have been contacted regarding the postponement of their booking until face-to-face Scouting is resumed.
Cheshire Scouts and EuroJam:
The European Jamboree 2020, has been rescheduled to Summer 2021.
Insurance Updates:
For the latest updates from Unity – the Scout Associations own insurance broker – see Unity Coronavirus Update. For activities and trips insured elsewhere, please contact your broker/insurer directly.
