1. Overview

1st Gresley Scout Group currently operates seven Sections:

  • One Squirrel Drey
  • Two Beaver Colonies
  • Two Cub Packs
  • Two Scout Troops

Due to limited capacity within each Section, the Group operates a waiting list. This policy explains how young people are added to the waiting list and how available places are allocated.

Places are offered as they become available and in line with the priorities set out below. Final decisions on allocation rest with the relevant Section Team Leaders and the Group Lead Volunteer.

2. Joining the Waiting List

For a young person to be added to the waiting list, all of the following information must be provided:

  • Young person’s full name
  • Date of birth
  • Home address and postcode
  • Contact telephone number
  • Email address for at least one parent or guardian

Incomplete applications will not be added to the waiting list until all required information has been supplied.

NB. The minimum joining age accepted to the list is 3.

Any child added that falls below this age will be removed.

Waiting List Link: https://www.onlinescoutmanager.co.uk/waiting-list/1st-gresley-scout-waiting-list/95be3894-5aa1-43ac-b19e-c08b3840dc39/apply

3. Movement Between Sections

  • If a young person does not obtain a place in time to join their intended Section, they will automatically remain on the waiting list for the next Section up, provided they are still within the appropriate age range.
  • Time spent on the waiting list does not guarantee a place in any particular Section.

4. Volunteering and the Sustainability of the Group

1st Gresley Scout Group is run entirely by volunteers. The number of young people we can safely support is directly linked to the number of adult volunteers available.

For this reason, additional priority may be given to young people whose parent or adult family member is willing and able to commit to a substantive volunteering role within the Group.

Substantive roles include, but are not limited to:

  • Section Team Leader
  • Section Team Member
  • Member of the Trustee Board

The following points apply:

  • An expression of interest in volunteering does not guarantee a place for a young person.
  • Any volunteering role is subject to discussion, mutual agreement, and completion of the appropriate appointment process (including checks and training required by The Scout Association).
  • Priority is only applied once a volunteering commitment has been agreed in principle with the Group Lead Volunteer.
  • Volunteering is always optional, and families who are unable to volunteer are still welcome to apply for places.

This approach helps ensure the long-term sustainability, safety, and quality of Scouting within the Group.

5. Section Age Ranges

The normal age ranges for each Section are:

  • Squirrels: 4 – 6 years
  • Beavers: 6 – 8 years
  • Cubs: 8 – 10½ years
  • Scouts: 10½ – 14 years

6. Inclusion and Equal Access

Scouting is open to all young people, regardless of gender, faith, ability, sexuality, or background.

If a young person requires additional support in order to participate fully in Scouting, this should be discussed with the Section Leaders at the earliest opportunity. Leaders will work with parents or guardians to agree a reasonable and practical   plan of support, subject to the resources and capabilities of the Group.

7. Priorities When Allocating Places

When places become available, the following criteria are used in approximate order of priority. Not all criteria will apply in every situation.

  1. The young person is already a member of 1st Gresley Scout Group and is moving up from the Section below (e.g. Squirrels to Beavers, Beavers to Cubs, Cubs to Scouts).
  2. A parent or adult family member commits to a substantive volunteering role within the Group (Team Leader, Team Member, or Trustee).
  3. The young person is already a member of The Scout Association and has recently moved into the area from outside South Derbyshire Scout District.
  4. The young person has a sibling who is currently a member of 1st Gresley Scout Group.
  5. The young person would have at least one full year in the Section before reaching the normal age for moving up to the next Section.
  6. The length of time the young person has been on the waiting list.

8. Transfers from Other Local Groups

Young people wishing to transfer from another Scout Group within South Derbyshire Scout District are not given priority over those already on the waiting list.

9. Discretion and Review

  • Allocation of places is not automatic and remains at the discretion of the relevant Section Team Leaders and the Group Lead Volunteer.
  • This policy may be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in capacity, safeguarding requirements, or national Scout guidance.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my child be on the waiting list?
Unfortunately, we cannot give exact timescales. This depends on section capacity, movement between sections, and volunteer availability. Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a place.

Is the waiting list strictly “first come, first served”?
No. Time on the waiting list is one factor, but places are allocated using several priorities, including existing members moving up, volunteering commitments, and age suitability.

Does volunteering guarantee my child a place?
No. While volunteering may give additional priority, places are limited and no place is guaranteed. Volunteering roles must also be appropriate, agreed, and approved.

What counts as a volunteering role?
Only substantive roles that directly support the running of the Group (such as Section Leaders, Team Members, or Trustees). Occasional help or informal assistance does not usually affect waiting list priority.

What if my child has additional needs?
Scouting is inclusive and open to all. If your child requires additional support, please discuss this with the Section Leaders. We will work with you to see how we can support your child, subject to the Group’s capacity and resources.

Will my child automatically move up to the next Section?
Existing members are given priority to move up, but this is still subject to space being available in the next Section.

What if we move house while on the waiting list?
Please let us know as soon as possible so we can update our records. In some cases, moving into the immediate area may affect priority.

Can I appeal a decision?
All decisions are made fairly and consistently using this policy. If you have questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact the Group Lead Volunteer for clarification.