Safeguarding & Professional Standards

Our Commitment to Safety, Ethics and Professional Practice

Safeguarding, emotional safety, and professional integrity are central to all aspects of our work. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and ethically sound environment for children and young people engaging in equine-assisted therapy and learning.

All sessions are delivered by a qualified counsellor and are underpinned by clear safeguarding procedures, professional standards, and ethical practice.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and work in line with current safeguarding legislation and guidance.

This includes:

• A clear Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• Awareness of statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)

• Clear procedures for recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns

• Appropriate recording and information-sharing practices

• Commitment to working with relevant agencies where safeguarding concerns arise

Safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Professional Qualifications and Ethical Practice

Sessions are facilitated by a qualified counsellor, working within their scope of practice and professional competence.

Our work is underpinned by:

• Appropriate counselling qualifications

• Adherence to a recognised professional ethical framework

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)

This ensures that therapeutic work is delivered responsibly, reflectively, and in line with best practice.

Trauma-Informed and Child-Centred Practice

All work is delivered using a trauma-informed approach, recognising the impact of trauma, adversity, and stress on children’s emotional regulation and behaviour.

This includes:

• Prioritising emotional safety and predictability

• Supporting choice, consent, and agency

• Careful pacing of sessions

• Respecting individual emotional and sensory needs

• Avoiding re-traumatisation

Children are supported at their own pace, within clear and consistent boundaries.

Health, Safety and Risk Management

Health and safety are integral to our provision.

This includes:

• Comprehensive risk assessments for all activities and environments

• Safe systems of work around horses and outdoor spaces

• Clear boundaries and expectations communicated to children

• Ongoing monitoring of safety throughout sessions

All equine-assisted work is ground-based. Children are never required to ride.

DBS and Safer Working Practices

• Enhanced DBS checks are in place

• Safer working practices are followed at all times

• Clear professional boundaries are maintained

These measures support both physical and emotional safety for children and young people.

Insurance and Liability

Appropriate insurance cover is held, including:

• Public liability insurance

• Professional indemnity insurance

Insurance is reviewed regularly to ensure adequate coverage for the work undertaken.

Data Protection and confidentiality

We are committed to protecting personal information and maintaining confidentiality.

This includes:

• GDPR-aware data handling practices

• Secure storage of records

• Clear information-sharing boundaries

• Respect for confidentiality, in line with safeguarding and legal requirements

Information is shared only when necessary and appropriate.

Transparency and Accountability

We believe in working openly and transparently with parents, schools, and professionals.

• Policies and documentation are available on request

• We welcome professional dialogue and partnership working

• Concerns or complaints are taken seriously and addressed appropriately

Widening Access to Support

We are committed to improving access to therapeutic support for children and young people. Subject to funding, we aim to offer fully or partially funded places for families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing support.

All funded provision is delivered to the same professional, ethical, and safeguarding standards.

Working Alongside Other Services

Our work is intended to complement, not replace, statutory or clinical services.

Where appropriate, we work alongside:

• Schools and SENCOs

• Local authorities

• Early help and family support services

• Other therapeutic or professional services

This collaborative approach supports the best possible outcomes for children.

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