We are an extremely popular group and currently have over 400 children on our waiting list. Because our young people tend to stay with us for many years, space only becomes available when someone moves up to the next section or leaves. On current trends, it is likely to take around 18–24 months from joining the waiting list before we are able to offer a place.
When a space becomes available, we will contact you with an email offer.
Please note we are unable to give individual updates on waiting times, as these depend on age, section and when places arise. Responding to a high volume of “chasing” emails takes time away from our volunteers running the programme for current young people, so we kindly ask that you only contact us if your details change.
How We Allocate Places
When you add your child to the BMHC Scout Group waiting list, places are allocated according to the criteria below. This policy has been agreed by the Group Trustee Board and is reviewed periodically. We are committed to being inclusive and fair, and to prioritising young people who may benefit most from what Scouting offers.
- Existing members moving up
Young people already in BMHC Scout Group who are moving to the next section (e.g. Squirrels to Beavers, Beavers to Cubs, etc.) are given priority.
This means we will not usually offer places to new starters until all current members who are ready to move up have been allocated spaces. In some intakes, this may mean there are no places available for new
children in a particular section.
- Children of volunteers
Children of regular adult volunteers, or those who have committed to becoming regular volunteers, are given the next highest priority.
New volunteers must have completed all required checks and training (including a DBS check and mandatory e-learning) before a place can be offered to their child.
“Regular” means helping on a consistent basis (for example as a leader, assistant, or in another agreed role) rather than only occasionally.
- Children from socially or economically deprived households
To support our aim of widening access and opportunity, children from socially or economically deprived households are then prioritised.
This may include (for example) families on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits, or those experiencing financial hardship. We may ask for brief, self-declared information to help us identify and support these families. Any information shared will be treated confidentially and used only for admissions purposes.
- Children from single-parent or otherwise vulnerable / high-need households
We also prioritise children from single-parent households, and children from families experiencing challenges, such as:
- Caring responsibilities
- Family breakdown or other difficult circumstances
Again, we rely on parents/carers to self-identify and share as much or as little detail as they feel comfortable with. This information is treated sensitively and confidentially and is used only to help us support those who may particularly benefit from Scouting.
- Transfers from outside the area
Young people who are already members of another Scout Group outside Manchester South District, and who move into our local area and wish to continue their Scouting, are then considered.
- Siblings of existing members
Next, we prioritise brothers and sisters of current BMHC Scout Group members, provided they are of the correct age for the section and there is a suitable space.
- Age and time in section
Our programmes are designed so that young people get full experience in each section (for example, usually two years in younger sections and longer in older sections).
Where two or more children join the waiting list around the same time, priority may be given to the younger child, if an older child would not have enough time left in the section to benefit fully from the programme.
For example, a 6-year-old who joined the list at a similar time to a 7-year-old may be offered a Beaver place first, as they will have longer in the section.
- Date of joining the list
The date your child joined the waiting list is our lowest priority factor and is only considered once all the criteria above have been applied, and only for children who are the correct age for the section. We look at the month of joining, not the exact day – joining on the 1st of a month does not automatically give priority over someone joining on the 25th, unless one of the other criteria above applies.
Allocation of Places
Places are offered to whichever section has vacancies at the time (e.g. Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers).
If a parent/carer declines a place at a particular time, we will keep the young person on the list – however, this may result in a significantly longer wait.
We do not hold spaces so that friends can join together; if only one place is available, it will be offered according to the criteria above.
Age Limits
To receive a place in a section, a young person must be at least six months below the upper age limit for that section.
For example, we would not offer a Beaver place to a child older than 7 years 6 months; instead, they would be added to the waiting list for Cubs, and the Beaver place would be offered to the next eligible child.
Catchment Area
BMHC Scout Group primarily serves families living in and around the British Muslim Heritage Centre (Whalley Range) and neighbouring areas of South Manchester.
To manage demand fairly, we may restrict places to those living within our catchment area. Details of our catchment area will be published on our website or can be requested by email.
Moving up Between Sections
Decisions about when a young person moves from one section to the next are made jointly between the Section Leader and the parent/carer, taking into account age, readiness and space in the next section. In the event of disagreement, the Group Lead Volunteer’s decision is final.
Admissions Timing
BMHC Scout Group may choose to admit new members only at certain times of the year, for example at the start of school terms, so that young people can join in a structured way and leaders can plan programmes accordingly.
Removal from the Waiting List
Records will be removed from our system on request from a parent or guardian.
If a young person has not been offered a place within 3 years of joining the waiting list, BMHC Scout Group reserves the right to delete their record from the waiting list.
Forfeiture of Places
A place may be forfeited in the following circumstances:
If an offer of a place is not accepted within the specified time (usually 5 working days) after we contact you.
If, after joining, a young person does not attend for 4 consecutive weeks and we receive no contact from the parent/carer.
If attendance in any term falls below 75% without discussion or agreed mitigating circumstances, the Group Lead Volunteer may withdraw the place.
If attendance in any given term falls below 50% without prior discussion or good reason, the place will normally be withdrawn automatically.
BMHC Scout Group is exceptionally popular and our places are in high demand. We therefore ask that families who accept a place are committed to attending regularly so that young people – and our volunteers – get the most from the programme.