Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Parents/Carers

I’m so excited to let you know that we’re now able to restart running face-to-face activities at Syston Scout Hall from 12th April 2021. Given the fact that we’re still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, there’ll be some restrictions on what we do and how we do it. This email will let you know the steps we’ve taken to make sure we keep everyone safe. Also I have attached our welcome letter show you can refresh for when we start back.

COVID-19 and Reporting

Firstly, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, or who has been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms (within the last two weeks), shouldn’t come to any face-to-face activities, and should follow government guidelines on self-isolation and testing.

It is very important that you let us know if anyone in your household has had a positive test. You can no let us know by using this link – https://systonscouts.org.uk/reportcovidtest

Secondly, young people who are shielding or are in another vulnerable group might not be able to return to face-to-face activities at this stage. If your child’s shielding or in another vulnerable group, please contact me directly so we can chat through some options.

We’re also aware some young people, including young people with additional needs, might need new or different reasonable adjustments putting in place to support a return to face-to-face Scouts – again, I’m happy to discuss this with you.

I’d also like to let you know some of the updates to our arrangements for making sure our activities will be COVID-19 safe.

Meeting dates and times

Due to the guidelines we will be running sessions for young people in small groups “Pods” these pods will be kept the same and meet face to face at Syston Scout Hall every other week.

Our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been split in to 2 pods (your section Leaders will contact you direct with which Pod your Young Person will be in). As we are having to run small groups at the moment each group will take in turn each week.

While the Pods are not meeting at the hall we will be providing at home activities which will continue with the theme of badges we are doing face to face. All information and most materials will be given to you before the date.

On OSM you will see the programme and the groups that are meeting face to face.

Arrival and departure arrangements

We have a one-way system with clear floor markings for dropping off and pick up. Parents are advised to Arrive and leave straight away. Parents should queue up within the HQ premises along the side fence at 2m distance which will be indicated by floor markings. All Parents when dropping off and picking up should wear a face covering (just like we have to do at school). Young people can then be dropped off and parents follow a parallel walkway back out through the gate.

Please note we will not allow young people to be left at the hall till the programme start time.

Hand sanitisation, hygiene and personal protective equipment

We will provide Hand sanitiser for arrival, during the evening and departure.

Social distancing

All games and activities have been planned with Social distancing in mind.

Any young person breaking social distancing will be spoken to.

Other measures in place

We will be outside and inside for the next few weeks, so please make sure your young person is wearing suitable clothing and have a coat.

We will not be able to provide drinks etc at the moment, so if they would like to bring a drink with their name one that is great.

Permission to attend

Please confirm that you understand the new measures in place and are happy for your child to resume coming to outdoor meetings.

To give permission you will be sent an Event from OSM (Online Scout Manger) Called “COVID Consent – Amber (Outdoors & Indoors)” which will have our full policy and Risk assessment. If you are happy with these and would like to give permission please click YES. If you have not given permission your Young person will not be able to attend.

Risk Assessments can be found here on our website

We also for you to please can you check your contact details are up to date (this can be done by clicking the Personal Details Option)

Finally, we’re required to keep a register of those attending to help with the track and trace process.

We’re all looking forward to getting outdoor activities back up and running again, so we can gain more skills and have more fun together. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself Chris if you have any questions or concerns.

We also plan to chat with young people themselves about this too.

Look forward to (hopefully) seeing you soon!

Best wishes,

Chris Bodycot

Group Scout Leader