1260 (Newark & District) Sqn ATC
INITIAL TRAINING FLIGHT
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CADETS.
PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY.
COURSE DETAILS
Course Title ITF 01/15
Start Date Tuesday 31st March 2015, 1900 hrs for 1915 hrs start (7pm for 7.15pm)
Finish Date Thursday 27 August 2015
ARRIVAL
For the start of the course, recruits (new cadets) are to ensure that they arrive promptly at the time listed above.
Upon arrival they are to ‘sign-in’ at the duty desk at the top of the stairs from where they will be directed to the ITF classroom. Bags and jackets are not to be brought into the ITF classroom. Cloakroom facilities are provided. In the interests of security all jackets, rucksacks, bags and holdalls must be clearly labelled with the owners’ surname and initials.
Should any cadet need to leave before the end of the evening they are required to inform a member of Staff prior to leaving the premises as the perimeter gate is locked during parade nights.
PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS
Four (4) passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) are required for identification and will be applied to official documentation. These are to be provided by the recruit before Tuesday 5 May 2015.
DRESS AND DEPORTMENT
The Air Training Corps is a uniformed youth organisation and as such the greater majority of a cadets’ time will be spent in uniform of one type or another. On the occasions when a uniform is not required or has not been issued, cadets are to dress appropriately. Smart casual is the accepted standard with no offensive slogans. Recruits and cadets are to have short, smart, uncoloured haircuts at all times. Facial or body piercings (including male ear-rings) are not permitted. Cadets are encouraged to behave and apply themselves as though they were an actual member of the Armed Forces undertaking recruit training. During ITF Training all cadets will be required to organise and carry out rostered duties, study and revise for tests, complete assignments, clean and maintain uniforms and ensure that they arrive in good time for all activities.
Each cadet is expected to show a high level of self-discipline, initiative and behaviour and to conduct themselves as young adults. Cadets who apply themselves properly will find that courses that are run on schedule are more enjoyable and they will achieve much more than required by the syllabus.
PARADE TIMES
Apart from a two-week break over the Christmas Holiday period the Squadron meets throughout the year. Cadets are expected to maintain a good attendance throughout the year although it is accepted that school examinations, homework, family holidays and other instances will take precedence. There may be periods during the course where ITF cadets are required to attend for weekend training. These dates will be notified in advance
The Squadron parades on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 1915hrs – 2130hrs
PARKING AND WAITING FACILITIES
Cadets and parents are reminded that as the parking facility is owned by the adjacent private company and is out of bounds to parent dropping off or picking up cadets - please use the pavement outside. If the Squadron is parading prior to dismissal please remain quiet in the vicinity and do not leave your engine running or radio on in the car park.
SECURITY
As parents, please do not arrive at the Squadron unannounced on parade nights and expect to gain access, as it will not be automatically guaranteed. As required by Squadron Security Orders, entry to the squadron is strictly controlled as we have a duty of care to restrict access to the building to protect cadets and staff alike. The gates to the compound are locked, entry is by pressing the buzzer by the pedestrian gate.
All visitors to the Squadron are escorted to the Operations Office and their name and vehicle details noted in the Visitor’s Log. All unidentified persons will be challenged as to their reasons for accessing the building and escorted from the premises if they cannot establish their identity and the justification for their presence. Parents and visitors are requested that, due to the presence of cadets on the Squadron, they act and behave in a responsible and appropriate manner at all times. In conclusion, if you do need to speak to the staff, please make prior arrangements and bring proof of your identity.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
All recruits are required to pay weekly subscriptions at the rate of £1 per week from Tuesday7th April 2015 until Tuesday 16th June 2015 (a total of £11). Subs will then increase to £10 per month and are collected by standing order which will be initiated by completing and returning the enclosed Standing Order mandate which will start on 1st July 2015. Note: subscriptions are paid even for non-attendance. For recruits who have a sibling at the Squadron, a new mandate for £20 per month to cover both cadets will need to be completed and the old one cancelled. Forms are available from the Squadron Operations Office.
Prior to this, subs can be paid either in cash or by cheque (made payable to: - ‘1260 Squadron Welfare Fund’.) Please annotate what the payments are for on the back of any cheques, together with the cadet’s surname and initials.
Parents of cadets who fall behind in their payments will be notified of the arrears by letter and the cadet will be prevented from participating in Squadron activities until payment is received.
NON-ATTENDANCE
The ITF Training syllabus requires cadets to complete a number of academic and practical subjects and is severely susceptible to overruns caused by non-attendance. In order that these overruns are kept to an absolute minimum all cadets are to show good timekeeping and attendance and are required to catch up on missed notes, examinations and assignments in their own time. Cadets who fall behind in their attendance and/or who have not completed all the required exams and coursework will be liable to ‘back-flighting’ to the next ITF or dismissal if they are unable to complete all required elements prior to course graduation.
If a cadet is unable to attend due to sickness they, or their parents, are to telephone the Squadron on (01636) 701260 and inform the duty personnel of their absence by 1915 hrs at the latest. An answer phone is in operation outside squadron hours. If a cadet requires absences in advance due to holidays, schoolwork or for other reasons, they are required to complete the authorised absence form held by the Squadron Adjutant or via the on line form on the cadet intranet via the Squadron website.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
The ATC may be a voluntary organisation but it does demand a high level of discipline and behaviour from all its members. As mentioned previously, all cadets are encouraged to behave and apply themselves as though they were a serving member of the Armed Forces.
All recruits joining the Squadron must successfully complete a mandatory probationary period of 4 weeks before being enrolled as a full member of the Air Training Corps. Provided that all paperwork is handed in, subscriptions are up to date and the correct items of uniform and footwear have been purchased, enrolment will take place on Tuesday 5th May 2015. Cadets who have not complied with these provisions, or who do not attain the required standards of dress, discipline and general deportment will find that their enrolment may be delayed or that they are asked to leave the Squadron.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
The ITF Training syllabus includes a sizeable academic section and cadets will be required to pass several examinations during their time with the ITF. In order that each cadet receives the best possible tuition, the Training Team must be informed of those cadets who have learning difficulties, special needs or any other particular learning requirement. This can be noted on the Parent’s Confidential information form or if necessary in person to the Training Officer or his staff.
The ATC is an ‘Equal Opportunity’ organisation and as such every plausible effort will be made to accommodate all the needs of all its cadets providing of course it is informed of those needs in the first place.
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE
It is now ATC Policy that parents or carers should disclose pertinent medical information concerning cadets whilst involved as a member of the Squadron. This is of the utmost importance to ensure that the Squadron is able to discharge its duty when acting in ‘Loco Parentis.’ Parents or carers should note that they will be held responsible for any incidents that occur as a result of them failing to disclose pertinent medical information. Disclosure of sensitive medical information can of course be given confidentially and will be handled discretely and securely as is required by ATC regulations.
LECTURE MATERIALS
Cadets are required to bring a notepad and two black ballpoint pens with them to each parade night.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
All cadets are strongly advised not to bring items of value with them. The squadron will not accept responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of items brought in by cadets other than in the most exceptional circumstances. Items of uniform or personal belongings left behind on the Squadron will be confiscated by the staff.
MOBILE PHONES
Although cadets are advised not to bring valuable items, it is generally accepted that many will have a mobile phone with them. Whilst it is recognised that mobile phones are useful in certain circumstances all cadets are informed that the Squadron operates a “TURN IT OFF” policy. All cadets are to ensure that their phones are either turned ‘Off’ or set to ‘Call Divert’ during Squadron hours. In exceptional “family” circumstances permission to be allowed normal phone function may be granted at the staff’s discretion. Failure to do so will result in the phone being confiscated for the duration of that parade night and persistent offenders will face disciplinary action. If parents urgently need to contact their child during squadron hours, the above telephone number can be used.
ADMINISTRATION AND PAPERWORK
At the beginning of training, usually on the ITF Open Night, a number of forms requiring information, consent and a signature are handed to parents and recruits. This paperwork is to be returned before Tuesday5th May 2015. Incomplete, incorrect or lost paperwork may result in the cadet being unable to participate in any events as they will not be covered by ATC insurance.
UNIFORM
Although the ATC does not charge for the issued uniform, a £15 refundable deposit is required to cover the cost of items that are either not returned or need to be laundered on return. This deposit must be paid before issue of green uniform on Tuesday 5th May 2015. Private purchase of uniform items and equipment from the Squadron as detailed below will also be necessary before this date.
Alternative arrangements for payment can be applied for in writing to the Adjutant and if successful will be dealt with on a ‘case by case’ basis. Please ensure that a receipt is obtained for each payment.
Item / PriceSquadron T-shirt / £8
Uniform deposit / £15
Total / £23
All cheques are to be made payable to: - ‘1260 Squadron Welfare Fund’.
FOOTWEAR
Recruits are to provide their own boots (1pr) before green uniform issue on Tuesday 5th May 20154 and shoes (1 pr) before blue uniform issue on Tuesday 16th June 2015. For details of the required footwear, please see next page.
Shoes:
Male RAF Pattern parade shoes: (Plain shoe with toecap, no school shoes & no fancy designs in the leather)
Female RAF pattern parade shoes: (Plain shoe without toecap, no fancy designs in the leather)
Boots (A choice of) :
Cadet ankle boot: (Plain boot with toecap, no fancy designs in the leather)
or
For wear with No3 (DPM) uniform ONLY
High-Leg Combat Boots
or
Assault Boots
We advise recruits to also purchase their own polishing set for their footwear and recommend:
We neither endorse nor recommend these suppliers, they are provided for your own information.
Anchor Supplies Ltd. Cattle Market, Nottingham, Notts. NG2 3GY. Tel: 0115 986 4902
Try searching eBay or search with Google using the phrase “ATC parade shoes” or “Cadet Parade shoes.”
LEAVING THE AIR TRAINING CORPS
Cadets may discover that the Air Training Corps is not for them and may wish to leave. Any cadet that wants to leave is perfectly entitled to do so with no prejudice or cost.
Any cadet that wishes to leave must formally inform the Squadron in person (not via word of mouth) and return all items of uniform and equipment loaned to them in a clean and serviceable condition. If these conditions are met, the £15 uniform deposit will be refunded. Cadets are also required to settle any outstanding subscription arrears; any subscriptions in credit will also be refunded. Parents or persons having legal responsibility are reminded that they have signed RAF Form 3822A which states that they are responsible for the return of any items of clothing, documentation, publication or equipment which remains Crown Property at all times whilst on loan to the cadet.
Cadets that have not attended the squadron for a period of more than 2 months or who fail to inform the Squadron that they have left will be removed from the Squadron’s records. Cadets removed in this manner will be contacted by letter and a list of loaned equipment and subscription arrears will be sent to their parents. Note: if no official notification of a cadet leaving is received, subscriptions have to be paid until return of uniform to the Squadron.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Squadron operates a system where the Civilian Committee makes funds available for cadets who are unable to attend activities or purchase necessary equipment or clothing due to family financial constraints. We believe that all events and functions provided by the Squadron should be available to all cadets regardless of their circumstances. Further details can be obtained from the Officer Commanding in full confidence.
CORPS POLICY
SMOKING
The Squadron premises and buildings are all designated No-Smoking Areas. This applies to all staff, cadets and visitors regardless of age.
ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol on the Squadron premises is strictly forbidden. This applies to all staff, cadets and visitors regardless of age.
DRUGS
The Air Training Corps operates a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ policy on all classes of drugs. The possession, consumption or supply of any controlled substances is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate dismissal and referral to the police.
ABUSE
The Air Training Corps operates a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ policy on all forms of personal abuse including verbal, physical, racial, on line or sexual abuse. Any such incident of abuse or other inappropriate behaviour must be reported to a member of Squadron staff.
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
The Air Training Corps operates a ‘Zero – Tolerance’ policy on the possession of any offensive weapon as it is a criminal offence and will be dealt with as such.
SELF MEDICATION
If in the unlikely event a cadet needs to take medication they are to advise a member of staff.
Please note that staff are unable to administer medication at any time.
If you are unsure about any section of these instructions, or if you wish to raise any other issues, please speak to a member of the Training Team.
IMPORTANT DATES
07/04/15 / ITF Starts07/04/15 / Subscriptions (£1 per week) start
05/05/15 / Passport photographs and documentation to be returned
05/05/15 / Green uniform issued - deposit (£15) paid (boots to be provided prior to this).
05/05/15 / Enrolment into ATC.
16/06/15 / Blue uniform issued (shoes to be provided prior to this).
01/07/15 / Standing Order for subscriptions £10 (£20 for siblings) per month starts.
20/08/15 / Graduation