Supporting young people with additional needs

Where's the Scouts Section located?

The Squirrel Drey is located in an urban setting, IMD 1-3.

There are 12 squirrels in the Drey, all from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

The community is very diverse, with a mix of working class people from all kinds of ethnic and social backgrounds. The Scout group has worked hard to ensure that all families feel supported and included.

 

Successes and challenges:

There are some children diagnosed with ADHD or who are non-verbal. The leaders are working really hard to adapt all ‘activities, games, and tasks to suit the needs of young people. Including things like the Makaton Promise’. They do so by completing dynamic risk assessments, and have open and honest conversations with leaders, volunteers, and parents.

The relationship with parents is so important. The group's Leader says: ‘Parents are welcome to stay and show volunteers what their child needs, or how to support the child if they need extra help. Volunteers and leaders also support each other by learning about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and adapt the activities to suit the children’s needs.'

The group has successfully completed their first full term and everyone is very happy. Children can’t wait until the next meet-up, and parents have been incredibly supportive.  

What the leaders have learned:

The first few months have been a wonderful learning journey. The Leaders suggest not being afraid to get something wrong and being dynamic.

Key steps:

• Ensure that your programme is flexible and inclusive. Try different activities with children, or you can ask them about activities they prefer.  
• Invest in your Leaders' learning. If someone in your group has SEND knowledge, let them lead a workshop, or a session, so everyone can grow and learn.