Welford and Wickham CE (VA) Primary School enrols entire student body into Scout programme

A West Berkshire primary school has become one of the country’s first to enrol its entire pupil body in the Scout programme.

Welford and Wickham CE (VA) Primary School has trained all its staff to be Scout leaders and all its pupils take part in Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs.

The school held its first Scouting investiture ceremony on Friday, January 14, which saw pupils come together in a combined ceremony where they made their Scout promise.

Acting executive headteacher Lynne Valentine said: “The staff and children light up when we talk about our Scouting adventures.”

Since the investiture, pupils have already completed several activities including their chef, disability awareness and all around us badges.

The school is currently designing badges for the district jubilee event and a number of den building and adventure activities are in the diary for when the weather improves.

Isabelle, aged five, said: “I love Squirrels, Kingfisher always does stuff that is so fun.”

Acting deputy headteacher Melissa Kilding said: “Friday afternoon ends on a real high. It’s the highlight of our week.”