Confidence
Cadets speak up, give instructions, take responsibility and get used to being trusted. Parents tend to notice this one first.
Parents & guardians
The practical answers, in one place
Who looks after your child, what it costs, when it happens and how we keep you informed.
Your child's safety comes first
The RAF Air Cadets is a national youth organisation with national safeguarding standards, and we work to them.
- Every adult volunteer is vetted before they work with cadets.
- Every adult volunteer is trained in safeguarding, and that training is refreshed.
- Activities are run to national rules, with qualified instructors and assessed risk.
- Activities follow national supervision requirements, and attendance is recorded every night.
If you ever have a concern — however small — speak to the Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Barry Poulter RAFAC. Concerns can also be raised above squadron level with Surrey Wing.
[TODO: add the squadron safeguarding point of contact and a link to the RAFAC safeguarding policy / Wing contact route]
The basics
- Ages
- From Year 8, or age 12.
- Parade nights
- [TODO: nights and times]
- Where
- Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL
Opposite Concorde. Map and directions - Officer Commanding
- Flt Lt Barry Poulter RAFAC
- Contact
- Phone: [TODO: phone]
Email: [TODO: email]
What it costs
We keep the Air Cadets affordable. Subscriptions cover the day-to-day running of the squadron, and bigger activities are paid for separately so you only pay for what your child does.
| What | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Squadron subscriptions | [TODO: subs amount] | [TODO: weekly or monthly, and how to pay] |
| Uniform | Free | Issued on enrolment and returned if a cadet leaves. [TODO: any items families buy, e.g. boots] |
| Camps and expeditions | [TODO: typical camp cost] | Optional. Costs are published before cadets apply. |
| Duke of Edinburgh's Award | [TODO: DofE registration cost] | Optional, per level. |
| Flying and gliding | Free | Provided through the RAF Air Cadets. [TODO: confirm any travel cost to the airfield] |
If cost is a barrier
Please talk to us in confidence. No young person should miss out on the Air Cadets because of money, and conversations about it stay private. [TODO: confirm what financial support the squadron or Wing can offer]
What cadets get out of it
Qualifications
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, BTEC qualifications, first aid, leadership and adventure training awards — all evidence for UCAS forms, CVs and interviews.
Experiences
Flying, gliding, camps at RAF stations, expeditions, competitions and overseas trips, at a fraction of what they would otherwise cost.
Friendships
A mixed group from different schools across the area, doing something harder than hanging around. Friendships here last.
Structure
Smart turnout, punctuality and self-discipline — learnt by doing, not by being lectured.
Heritage
Your child will parade on the site where the Wellington and Concorde were built, in a squadron founded there in 1938.
Our historyHow we communicate
You will always know what your child is doing, when, and what they need to bring.
- Details of activities, camps and changes are sent out in advance: [TODO: how — email, parents' group, app?]
- Parental consent is obtained for activities away from the squadron.
- Staff are available to talk at the start and end of parade nights.
- Urgent changes, such as a cancelled night: [TODO: how these are communicated]
[TODO: note whether the squadron uses a parents' committee or newsletter]
Visit us
Come and see for yourself
Message us and we will invite you along to a parade night. Bring a parent or guardian, wear something comfortable, and have a look around.