This policy is one way in which TNM aims to promote equal opportunities and eradicate any unlawful discrimination. All employees, and those who work alongside TNM have a responsibility to implement this policy and operate in an environment in which individuals feel respected and represented.

The Nurture Meadow (TNM) believes that no child, adult, or family should be excluded from our services or activities based on the grounds of age, gender, health, sexuality, class, family status, means, ability, colour, ethnic origin, culture, religion, or belief. We aim to ensure that all who wish to work alongside our organisation will also have an equal chance to do so.

TNM aims to provide a warm, welcoming and caring space that promotes and reflects cultural and social diversity. TNM will endeavour to challenge any offensive behaviour, language or attitudes in relation to Equal opportunities and should any of the above occur within one of our workshops or classes the incident will be reported and discussed with the parent/guardian. Any form of bullying or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated. TNM reserves the right to refuse attendance at any future group events/workshops/classes to those who are unable to comply with this policy.

We recognise that achieving the objectives of our equal opportunities policy relies on the active involvement of parents/care givers and staff. TNM welcomes and encourages parents, carers and staff to comment on the effectiveness of its policies and procedures so that we able to grow and evolve should it be deemed necessary.

The Nurture Meadow may facilitate opportunities for consultation with all stakeholders about our service as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of the equal opportunities policy.

We strive to make the environment welcoming and physically accessible to all users. To do this we will work with staff and users to get an understanding of all our service users needs (both new and current), cultures and values.

Our Equal Opportunities Procedures aim to:

• Create an environment free from discrimination and welcoming to all

• Ensure that our services are available to all children who require our service, including those with difficulties and/or disabilities

• Ensure that issues of race, ethnicity, nationality, class, religion, culture, gender, language, sexual orientation and disability do not inhibit a child from accessing our service

• Treat all service users with equal value and concern and validate their personal experiences

• Make every effort to include every service user in all activities ensuring their individual needs are met

• Have regard to promoting understanding, respect and awareness of diversity and equal opportunities issues in planning and implementing our programme of activities

• Help service users celebrate and express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate resources and activities

• Ensure that if TNM should choose to recruit, policies and procedures are open, fair and non-discriminatory

• Act as positive role models by displaying and promoting tolerant and respectful behaviour, language and attitudes and challenging any discriminatory incident

The Director will be responsible for ensuring that the Equal Opportunities policy is implemented and that its effectiveness is regularly monitored. They will be responsible for ensuring that:

• All policies and procedures will be kept under review to ensure they do not operate in a discriminatory manner or in anyway against its commitment to equal opportunities.

• We will work to fulfil all the legal requirements of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Policy updated May 2025

As a sole trader at The Nurture Meadow, (TNM), the opinions and feedback of parents/carers is vital and valued. This parents/carers complaint policy aims to ensure that parents/carers feel heard, supported, and their concerns are addressed in a fair and timely manner, so that the services TNM offers to young people can continually be reviewed and improved.

How to Make a Complaint

Parents/carers can make a complaint by following these steps:

a. Direct communication: In the first instance, parents/carers are encouraged to directly communicate their concern with TNM. This can be done through face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, or any other suitable form of communication that can be recorded and detailed.

b. Providing details: When making a complaint, parents/carers should provide specific details about the issue, including dates, times, and any relevant documentation or evidence, to help documents the complaint and to address it effectively.

Support and Guidance

TNM understands that raising a complaint can be a difficult and sensitive process for parents/carers.

TNM is committed to providing support, guidance, and reassurance throughout the complaint process. Parents/carers can approach me directly, and I will be available to listen, answer questions, and provide necessary assistance.

Confidentiality and Privacy

TNM respects the privacy and confidentiality of parents/carers making complaints. Personal information shared during the complaint process will only be accessible to me as the sole trader. I will not disclose any information without consent, except where required by law or in the need to make a disclosure of a safeguarding nature.

Investigation and Resolution

Upon receiving a complaint, TNM will promptly investigate and take appropriate action with all complaints being resolved in a timely manor. Parents/carers will be kept informed about the progress of their complaint and the outcome, ensuring they feel heard and understood.

Feedback and Follow-Up

TNM values feedback from parents/carers and continuously seek ways to improve services and the overall experience for young people. Once a complaint is resolved, TNM may seek input from the parents/carers to understand their experience and gather suggestions for improvement.

Parents/carers will be provided with updates on actions taken as a result of their feedback.

Escalation

If parents/carers feel their complaint has not been adequately addressed, they may escalate the matter to an external authority or seek guidance from relevant consumer protection or professional organizations. This may include the police, teachers, or local council bodies. Details of some of these can be found below.

• Surrey Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0300 470 9100 (out of office hours 01483 517898)

• West Sussex Single Point of Access (SPA) ON 01403 229900 (Out of office hours 0330 222 6664)

• London Safeguarding Children Board Single Point of Access (SPA) 0208 547 5008 (out of office hours 0208 770 5000

• East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Single Point of Access (SPA) ON 01323 464222 (Out of office hours 01273335906/905)

Alternatively, we will dial 999 if the child is in immediate danger.

Updated May 2025

The Nurture Meadow (TNM) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people so that they are protected against abuse, harm and maltreatment.

This policy aims too;

• To raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding and child protection, and in particular to make clear responsibilities for identifying and reporting actual or suspected abuse;

• To ensure children and parents are aware that TNM takes child protection seriously and will follow the appropriate procedures for identifying and reporting abuse.

• To promote effective liaison with other agencies in order to work together for the protection and welfare of all children; and

• To support childrens’ emotional wellbeing in ways which will foster security, confidence and independence

TNM understands that because of contact with children, families and staff, we are well placed to identify any concerns for children and/or their families in particular, and to recognise and identify potential indicators of abuse or neglect. In order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, all actions will be taken in accordance with;

▪ Children Act 1989 and 2004

▪ Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance 2018

▪ London Child Protection Procedures 2017

▪ Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Under the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, a child is anyone who has not yet reached his/her 18th birthday. Harm means ill-treatment or impairment of health and development, including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another; Development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development; Health includes physical and mental health; Ill-treatment includes sexual abuse and other forms of ill-treatment which are not physical.

To ensure that our children are protected from harm, we need to understand what types of behaviour constitutes abuse and neglect. Abuse and Neglect are forms of maltreatment. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm, for example by leaving a small child home alone, or leaving knives or matches within reach of an unattended toddler. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them, or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, another child, children or young people.

There are various categories of abuse; physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Categories of abuse:

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, Female genital mutilation or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. (This used to be called Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy but is now more usually referred to as fabricated or induced illness).

2. Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

3. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. Sexual exploitation is when a child or young person is given things like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

4. Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);

• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;

• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or

• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs

5. Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. But it isn’t just physical violence – domestic abuse includes any emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It can happen in any relationship, and even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers.

Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing and scary for a child and causes serious harm.

Children living in a home where domestic abuse is happening are at risk of other types of abuse too.

Children can experience domestic abuse or violence in lots of different ways. They might:

• see the abuse

• hear it from another room

• see a parent's injuries or distress afterwards

• be hurt by being nearby or trying to stop the abuse.

Domestic abuse affects young people too. They may not realise that what's happening is abuse.

Even if they do, they might not tell anyone about it because they're scared of what will happen, or ashamed about what people will think.

Children who may be particularly vulnerable Some children may have an increased risk of abuse. It is important to understand that this increase in risk is due more to societal attitudes and assumptions or child protection procedures that fail to acknowledge children’s diverse circumstances, rather than the individual child’s personality, impairment or circumstances. Many factors can contribute to an increase in risk, including prejudice and discrimination, isolation, social exclusion, communication issues and a reluctance on the part of some adults to accept that abuse can occur.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Safeguarding and Child protection at TNM is Kelly Gallafant but anyone can refer directly to local authority social care if concerned about any form of abuse.

If anyone has a concern about the DSL, then this should be referred to the local authority and Local Child Protection Board, or if immediate danger is anticipated, dial 999.

The DSL refers cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children’s social care as required; works alongside all external agencies; works alongside all children, parents and caregivers with the aim of protecting every child and ensures the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available publicly, Well-kept records are essential to good child protection practice. TNM is clear about the need to record any concerns held about a child, the status of such records and when copies of these records should be passed to other agencies. All records will be signed and dated. Any files should be kept in a confidential place in chronological order in a locked cupboard in the office. All child protection records are stored securely and confidentially.

Children and young people who may be at risk of harm TNM is well placed to observe any physical, emotional or behavioural signs, which indicate that a child may be suffering significant harm and will always work in partnership with parents, caregivers, external agencies and children.

• TNM will provide a secure, caring, supportive and protective relationship for the child

• The setting/establishment recognises that the child’s welfare is paramount. Good child protection practice and a good outcome for the child relies on a positive, open and honest working partnership with parents

• Whilst there may be an occasion where we need to make referrals without consultation with parents, we will make every effort to maintain a positive working relationship with them whilst fulfilling our duties to protect any child

• We will endeavour always to preserve the privacy, dignity and right to confidentiality of the child and parents.

If there are concerns about a child, any suspected abuse will be immediately reported to social services.

• Surrey Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0300 470 9100 (out of office hours 01483 517898)

• West Sussex Single Point of Access (SPA) ON 01403 229900 (Out of office hours 0330 222 6664)

• London Safeguarding Children Board Single Point of Access (SPA) 0208 547 5008 (out of office hours 0208 770 5000

• East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Single Point of Access (SPA) ON 01323 464222 (Out of office hours 01273335906/905)

Alternatively, we will dial 999 if the child is in immediate danger.

TNM and all associates must immediately report:

• Any suspicion that a child is injured, marked, or bruised in a way which is not readily attributable to the normal knocks or scrapes received in play

• Any explanation given which appears inconsistent or suspicious

• Any behaviours which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered harm

• Any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill treatment, or emotional maltreatment

• Any concerns that a child is presenting signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect

• Any significant changes in a child’s presentation, including non-attendance

• Any suspicion, allegation disclosure of abuse about or by a child / young person

• Any concerns regarding person(s) who may pose a risk to children (e.g. living in a household with children present)

• Information which indicates that the child is living with someone who does not have parental responsibility for them (private fostering)

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare There may be occasions when TNM may suspect that a child may be at risk but have no ‘real’ evidence. The child’s behaviour may have changed, or physical but inconclusive signs may have been noticed. In these circumstances, TNM will try to give the child the opportunity to talk. The signs they have noticed may be due to a variety of factors, for example, a parent has moved out, a pet has died, a grandparent is very ill, or an accident has occurred. It is fine for staff to ask the child if they are OK or if they can help in any way.

TNM will record these early concerns. If the child does begin to reveal that they are being harmed all allegations will be handled effectively and sensitively.

Responding to Disclosure and Allegations

Allegations or information may be received from child, parents or any other member of the public.

TNM will:

• Try to keep questions to a minimum and of an ‘open’ nature e.g. ‘Can you tell me what happened?’ rather than ‘Did x hit you?’

• Try not to show signs of shock, horror or surprise

• Not express feelings or judgements regarding any person alleged to have harmed the child

• Explain sensitively to the person that they have a responsibility to refer the information to the local authority

• Reassure and support the person as far as possible

• Explain that only those who ‘need to know’ will be told

• Explain what will happen next and that the person will be involved as appropriate

• Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours or Children’s Social

Care after hours service if they cannot be reached

• Maintain contact with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

• Ensure clear and comprehensive records regarding the allegation, and action taken, and outcome are Photography and Images To protect children, we will:

• Seek parental consent before images are used

• Seek the child’s consent before images are used

• Use only the child’s first name with an image

• Ensure children are appropriately dressed

• Encourage child to tell us if they are worried about any photographs that are taken of them

• Not use images that make the child identifiable

Safe working practice ensures that children are safe and that those associated with TNM;

• are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions;

• work in an open and transparent way;

• work with other colleagues where possible in situations that could be open to question

• record any incidents or decisions made;

• apply the same professional standards regardless of diversity issues;

• Ensure appointments / whereabouts are known and are recorded by keeping schedules/diaries up-to-date, using wipe boards, transmitting e-mails etc.

• Check records to ascertain the type of client you are about to visit and decide what, if any, safety precautions may be required.

Dial 999 if the child is in immediate danger.

NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000

TNM is committed to reviewing this policy and good practice annually. Last reviewed on 02/05/2025.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards required by TNM. It identifies certain key standards, which must be observed at all times. Individuals/agencies who work alongside TNM are also required to maintain standards of conduct, behaviour and professionalism appropriate to the nature of TNM’s activities and services

General Standards which must be maintained.

All persons should ensure that they remain courteous, efficient and impartial to all groups and individuals in the delivery of all services.

No person shall allow any personal relationship to conflict with their duties or the best interests of a supported family, nor must they allow themselves to be compromised by or to take advantage of any relationship with a supported family.

No person shall accept gifts, entertainment or hospitality from any consultant, contractor, individual or organisation where it may be viewed that the motives could be to influence TNM.

All persons must not at any time, disclose information of a confidential nature gained in the course of their duties.

All personal records are confidential, must be kept in a safe and secure place at all times in line with applicable data protection legislation, and access is only allowed to those authorised by nature of their job/relationship. Personal information should only be disclosed on a need to know basis to authorised personnel. Such information may only be disclosed to any other third party if the client has given their informed consent in advance. This applies to all devices, on or off site, including laptops, phones and satnavs.

All persons must be adhere to Equal Opportunities policy and abide by the law relating to equality of opportunity. Each person has a duty not to harass or discriminate against any colleague, supported family or member of the public.

All persons should take the greatest care to maintain and protect privacy on e-mails, social media and the internet as they should to telephone calls and other correspondence

All persons should build and sustain a professional relationship with supported families and individuals by protecting their privacy. All persons should protect themselves in relation to inappropriate relationships with supported families.

All persons must be aware of their individual safeguarding responsibilities, to be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, to identify children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm and to take appropriate action in such cases. Any concerns about a child should be raised following the procedures in the safeguarding policy. It is important that if a child makes a disclosure never to promise not to tell anybody.

Updated May 2025.

At The Nurture Meadow (www.thenurturemeadow.co.uk), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data.

1. Who We Are

The Nurture Meadow

Website: www.thenurturemeadow.co.uk

Contact: hello@thenurturemeadow.co.uk

2. The Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal information when you interact with our website or services:

• Full name

• Email address

• Mobile number

• Specific information about your booking/session request

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect your information directly when you:

• Fill out contact or registration forms

• Subscribe to newsletters or updates

• Create an account or interact with our services

4. Why We Collect Your Data

We use your data to:

• Respond to your inquiries

• Improve your user experience

• Create and manage your user accounts

• Send relevant marketing communications (you can opt out at any time)

5. Data Sharing

We do not share your personal information with any third parties. Your data is used solely by The Nurture Meadow for the purposes stated above.

6. Data Protection & Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal data. While no system is ever completely secure, we aim to protect your information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse.

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection laws (including the UK GDPR), you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of incorrect or incomplete data

• Request deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent at any time for marketing communications

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@thenurturemeadow.co.uk

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Policy updated May 2025