Parent or Carer Zone

The best way to help your child is to make sure that they choose activities that are exciting and suit them as an individual. But remember to be realistic to help them succeed for example consider things such as cost, transport and local facilities.

Remind them to gather evidence each time they take part in an activity, this could be a diary, a photo, a description of what they did, certificates, etc. and upload it to their eDofE site. 

For each section of the Award the young person will need to have an assessor to sign it off. The assessor can be anyone involved with the activity, which is not a family member or have any relation to the participant. It could be an organiser of the activity, a leader, a teacher, a gym instructor, etc.

To take part in the Award the participant will need to pay an enrolment fee and expedition cost. As well as this they will need to invest in some good walking boots and some other equipment, such as a sleeping bag. Most can be borrowed from school. To help support this when the young person has enrolled they will receive a discount card for various shops including Go Outdoors, Cotswolds, Mountain Warehouse, etc. More information can be found here: DofE Card

As the young person completes each section they will need some support and a reminder to ask their assessor to assess them. They can do this using the card in their enrolment pack or by giving the assessor this link and the appropriate information: Assessor

Finally, make sure your child uses their experiences in DofE and their achievements in their CV. Employers and colleges love hearing about young peoples experiences. To find out more about how the Award can help young peoples future visit Future Paths.

When a young person takes part in the DofE programme they will develop skills and attitudes to become a more rounded  and confident adult. These are all qualities that colleges and employees are keen to see. Young people can develop their: 

• Self-belief and self-confidence

• A sense of identity

• Initiative and a sense of responsibility

• A real awareness of their strengths

• New talents and abilities

• The ability to plan and use time effectively

• Learning from and giving to others in the community

• Forming new friendships

• Problem solving, presentation and communication skills

• Leadership and team working skills.

All DofE Leaders and Expedition Supervisors in the WNAT are trained and have years of experience when working with the DofE. They have the relevant qualifications such as Basic Expedition Leaders Awards, First Aid, Lowland Leaders Award, etc.

We, as DofE Leaders, are sensitive to all participants’ individual cultural, religious, physical and other requirements. Consequently, we can organise activities suitable for participants’ needs and schedule them around important religious events etc. as appropriate.

If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact us.

It is the policy of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the West Norfolk Academy Trust (WNAT) to ensure that the welfare of all young people regardless of sex, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion or beliefs, race, age or personal characteristics who are involved in DofE activities are safeguarded by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

WNAT are a Duke of Edinburgh Award Licensed Organisation.  As a Trust we have our own policies and procedures in place for safeguarding and health and safety etc. which can be viewed at the WNAT website and the Smithdon High School website.

However, when a young person does their DofE activities they’re likely to come into direct contact (i.e. not through a Licensed Organisation) with many other organisations and individuals such as charity shops, music instructors, sports clubs and expedition providers.

It’s the responsibility of DofE participants over 18 and parents/carers/guardians of: participants under 18; participants with additional needs; or vulnerable adults, to check that the activities done with these organisations, including AAPs, are delivered in a safe and proper manner. 

So, before starting any activity, we recommend you make a few basic checks to see how the organisation keeps young people safe. You could ask to see relevant policies, like a child protection policy or staff code of conduct. You could find out who the main point of contact is, to speak to if you have any concerns.

You should feel satisfied that an activity is safe, for yourself or your son or daughter, before getting started. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award can have a huge impact on young people. It gives them opportunities to thrive and develop as individuals. Please find more about the impact on young people here: Impact of the DofE