Parents and leaders

The Learning the Ropes scheme gives learners of all ages a structured pathway for learning how to ring bells. It breaks down learning to ring into clearly defined chunks, giving a sense of progress whilst developing a skill that in reality can take years to master. By providing basic assessments that ringers must pass before progressing, it fosters a great sense of achievement when passing each level. In line with other hobbies and sports, achievement is celebrated with certificates and awards and success is recognised both online and in print.

Learning the Ropes is closely tied to the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) whose training scheme equips all its teachers with the latest knowledge in skills development and learning theory.

It is taught by experienced and well-trained teachers, either ART Members or teachers who are working towards ART accreditation. All ART Members have completed one or more Modules of the ART Training Scheme, which starts with a day course followed by up to two years’ skill development before a final assessment of their teaching. Those who have completed accreditation become ART Members and are required to have a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) criminal record check for working with young people. These are verified by the Association Management. Teachers working towards accreditation under the ART Training Scheme have not yet had their DBS check confirmed by the Association. All the teachers listed on the Directory of ART Members are accredited ART Members with completed DBS checks.

All ART Members must follow ART policies and codes of practice which cover safeguarding, data protection and health and safety.