The Group have decided that the maximum number of children in each of the sections will be: Squirrels 18, Beavers 24, Cubs 28, Scouts 24. Section Team Leaders may vary these maximum numbers from time to time, depending particularly on the availability of volunteers. The recommended section size for Squirrel Dreys and Beaver Colonies is a maximum of 24 young people, unless the Group Lead Volunteer agrees otherwise, and for that a larger number of regular volunteers is needed.
Absolute priority will be given to members transferring from one section to the next within 1st Barnham, for whom places will always be provided, even if this means that sections are smaller than their limit whilst awaiting these transfers or larger afterwards. Section Team Leaders must be mindful of this provision before admitting members directly to their section. The Group Lead Volunteer will keep sections informed of likely numbers transferring into their section from the previous one.
Priority will also be given to:
(a) children of volunteers of 1st Barnham Scout Group,
(b) siblings of existing youth members, and
(c) invested members of other groups who wish to transfer to 1st Barnham because of a change of address or for other good reason*.
Parents and carers can put a child’s name on the waiting list at any time after the child is 3 years old. If predictions indicate that a place will be available, the child will be invited to start attending on a date specified by the Group Lead Volunteer. If the parent does not respond within a reasonable time to the offer of a place or the child does not take up the place, the offer will be forfeited. The start date for a child will typically be at the start of a new school term or half term.
No child will be refused admission or have membership in any way prejudiced because their parents or carers are unable or unwilling to help with the child’s section.
If it is unlikely that a child will be offered a place (for example due to capacity restrictions of a section), the parent will be informed and help offered to find a place in another Scout Group.
*Simply having friends at 1st Barnham is not necessarily a good reason, but Section Team Leaders
should consider individual cases on their merit. No child who is currently a member of another Group may be admitted until the 1st Barnham Group Lead Volunteer has discussed the matter with the Group Lead Volunteer of the other group.
Updated: 16th March 2025