Parent Information
Why the Air Cadets?
The Air Cadet Organisation is one of the biggest youth organisations in the country. The Air Cadets offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities for your child to challenge themselves and gain new skills and developing existing ones. Among the variety opportunities, cadets can gain accredited BTEC qualifications and their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
How old does my child have to be?
The organisation can recruit any child that is in year 8 and above.
When can my child join?
Each squadron has a different method of recruiting new cadets.
We currently recruit twice a year.
The first recruitment period is in the September and October.
The second recruitment period is in the March and April.
Within those recruitment periods, you can turn up to the squadron and your child can have a go. We do ask however that you email oc.1876@aircadets.org to let us know you are coming.
Will my child be expected to join the Armed Forces?
In short the answer is no. While some cadets have decided to join the Armed Forces as their chosen career, there is no expectation for your child to join.
Can I get involved?
In short the answer is yes. any support is welcome regardless of whether you have had any cadet or military experience. Depending on how much time you would like to give to supporting the squadron, you have two options.
If you have a limited time, then join the squadron association. The association helps with fundraising and plans the squadron dinner. In order for us to use the money from the fundraising and the monthly subscriptions the association has a committee which manages the funds.
Or if you have more time to give, you can apply to join the squadron staff as a Civilian Instructor and in the future have the opportunity become a uniformed member of staff.
Your child's safety
The organisation prides itself on being an inclusive organisation with a no tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment. All volunteers are DBS checked and are taught what to do if an issue arises.
If an issue does arise we have a dedicated safeguarding team within the organisation who will be able to look into any concerns.
Our volunteers are also suitably qualified and trained in the activities they are leading.
How much does it cost?
The squadron is mainly funded through the RAF, however to provide more opportunities, squadrons ask for some form of subscription.
Our monthly subscription currently stands at £12 a month.
Some weekend activities and our wing's week long camps may also cost extra.
Being an inclusive organisation, if for any reason you may be struggling to fund the monthly subscriptions or additional activities, please speak to the Squadron Commander who has a welfare fund to ensure every cadet gets an equal opportunty to partake in the cadet experience.
Your responsibility...
Luckily within the organisation cadets are taught largely to be self sufficient however there are a three main things you still need to do.
1. Uniform is provided on loan from the RAF which is valued at over £200. They do not provide shoes unfortunately, so you will need to acquire a pair of parade shoes and boots for your child. Before buying anything, speak to the squadron staff who will show you the best places to purchase them.
2. Please be aware that while we will look after your child on all activities, you will still need to be contactable in case for any reason you need to collect your child. For example your child falls ill.
3. Finally, please ensure that you drop off and pick up your child promptly to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Have any other questions?
If you have a question that has not been answered, please click on the Contact Us section at the top of the page or send us a message on our Facebook page.