The power of partnership: Fosse Way Explorer Scout Unit
When Fosse Way School and Wansdyke District Scouts teamed up, with support from the Uniformed Youth Fund, they showed how Scouts can give a place to belong and skills for life to every young person - including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
It was Graham Bush, District Lead Volunteer for Wansdyke District Scouts, who first approached Fosse Way School (where his son is a student) in 2023. He’d had the idea of creating an Explorer Unit which was able to accommodate the needs of his son, James, who’d been a member of Scouts since he was six. Graham hoped that with the support of the school, they’d be able to extend the positive impact of Scouts to James’ fellow students and provide fun, adventure and skills.
Teamwork in action
Fosse Way School was immediately supportive and with huge support from its staff, Fosse Way Explorer Scouts began. The unit invested its first members in May 2024.
‘Scouts aims to be an equitable, diverse and inclusive movement,’ says Graham. ‘The volunteer leaders, which include those from local Scouting and staff from Fosse Way School, have worked together to provide a balanced programme and have ensured that it’s been adjusted to meet the needs of the young people within the Unit.’
Scouts has always been a place where James felt safe and included. Graham’s idea was to extend that to other young people with additional needs. Through collaboration with Fosse Way School, the unit has been able to combine the expertise of seven local volunteers and three trained staff from the school.
Together they take part in activities that every Scout enjoys – from campfires and cooking to archery and plenty of time outdoors.
The power of community
Fosse Way Explorers is testament to the power of community and collaboration. Currently there are nine young people in the unit from the school with the aim to grow to 15 Explorers by the end of this academic year.
Encouragingly, the Explorers at Fosse Way increasingly join wider Scouts activities within the District, such as camps and water sports days. In turn, they share skills of their own such as sign language.
Praise from OFSTED
Fosse Way Explorers drew the attention of Ofsted in 2025. The school’s social care report praised the unit’s enrichment activities for offering a ‘wide range of new opportunities and the experience of being part of a larger community.’
This all bodes well for the future and is an inspiring example to show how innovation and collaboration can open up Scouts to even more young people. Fosse Way Explorers and Wansdyke District continue to embody inclusive Scouting and help young people build vital skills for life.
Graham’s top tips for inclusive Scouts
- Keep it simple and don’t over think things. Sometimes it’s small changes/alterations that make all the difference.
- I’ve been amazed by the enthusiasm, commitment and kindness shown from all our Unit members. A young person’s ability shouldn’t be a barrier to any activities. Sometimes we just need to think out of the box to find the right solution.
- Ask young people themselves what sort of activities and opportunities they’d like to do and encourage them to get involved with the planning and organising where they can.
- Share your ideas and plans with the district and county and tap into people’s contacts and experiences. You never know who might step forward to help.
- Keep a positive and open mind and remember that enthusiasm is infectious!
‘I am very happy to be in Fosse Way Explorers. It is friendly and fun, and also kind and inclusive. Every session is fun and creative. It teaches me new things and makes me laugh.’
Izzy - Explorer Scout
‘I really enjoy helping with Scouts each week—it’s always such a fun evening with the Fosse Way students. Each session is thoughtfully planned in advance to help our students be as independent as possible. From beginning to end, Scouts is run by passionate, caring people who have great respect for all our students.’
Hayley - Member of Fosse Way School staff who support the Unit weekly
‘I can confidently say that my involvement with Foss Way Explorers has greatly enriched my life, thanks to the inspiring young people who truly embody Scouts’ values. This was especially clear during the County Explorer event, where, despite heavy rain, we shared exciting adventures like high ropes, sledging, and caving. Most memorable, though, was gathering to make and enjoy camp pizzas. The magical moment of seeing their cheerful faces as they boarded the minibus home was unforgettable.’
Jane George - Fosse Way Explorer Unit Team Member