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Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Active Touch Holistic Wellness

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1. Statement of Intent

At Active Touch Holistic Wellness, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is paramount.

The business provides:

  • Holistic therapy services including massage, aromatherapy, Reiki and wellbeing support

  • Outdoor education, wellbeing walks, and nature-based sessions

All individuals accessing services have the right to feel safe, respected, and protected from harm.

This policy ensures:

  • Safe working practices

  • Clear procedures for concerns

  • Appropriate professional boundaries

  • Compliance with UK safeguarding legislation

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

  • Care Act 2014 (vulnerable adults)

3. Safeguarding Principles

Active Touch Holistic Wellness is committed to:

  • Putting the welfare of the individual first

  • Providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment

  • Working in a trauma-informed and compassionate way (aligned with the business ethos of care and wellbeing )

  • Maintaining confidentiality while recognising when information must be shared

  • Ensuring all concerns are taken seriously and acted upon

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Lead:


Hilary John (Business Owner)

Responsibilities include:

  • Responding to safeguarding concerns

  • Making referrals where necessary

  • Maintaining records securely

  • Ensuring safe practice across both therapy and education services

SECTION A: THERAPY SERVICES SAFEGUARDING

5. Scope

Applies to:

  • 1:1 holistic therapy sessions

  • Aromatherapy consultations

  • Reiki and massage treatments

  • Wellbeing support sessions

These services may involve physical touch and emotional disclosure, so additional safeguarding measures are essential.

6. Key Risks in Therapy Context

  • Physical contact during treatments

  • Working 1:1 in private settings

  • Emotional vulnerability of clients

  • Work with children or vulnerable adults

7. Safe Practice Procedures

7.1 Consent

  • Informed consent must be obtained before any treatment

  • For under 18s: parental/carer consent required

  • Clients can withdraw consent at any time

7.2 Professional Boundaries

  • Maintain clear, appropriate therapist-client boundaries

  • No inappropriate touch or behaviour

  • Sessions remain professional at all times

7.3 Confidentiality

  • Information shared is confidential unless:

    • There is risk of harm

    • A safeguarding concern is identified

7.4 Environment Safety

  • Safe, clean, and appropriate therapy space

  • Option for clients to have a chaperone present

  • Clear explanation of treatments before starting

7.5 Record Keeping

  • Accurate client notes stored securely

  • Any concerns documented factually

8. Safeguarding Children in Therapy

  • Parent/carer must be present or nearby unless agreed otherwise

  • Age-appropriate communication used

  • No therapy undertaken without full consent and understanding

9. Managing Concerns (Therapy)

If a concern arises:

  1. Stay calm and listen

  2. Do not promise confidentiality

  3. Record facts immediately

  4. Report to SL (self, as sole practitioner)

  5. Contact local safeguarding services if required

     

SECTION B: EDUCATION & OUTDOOR LEARNING SAFEGUARDING

10. Scope

Applies to:

  • Outdoor education sessions

  • Walk and talk wellbeing sessions

  • Nature-based workshops and groups

  • Home education provision (current/coming services )

11. Key Risks in Education Context

  • Outdoor environments

  • Small group or 1:1 sessions

  • Transport/travel to locations

  • Emotional wellbeing discussions

  • Working with SEND or vulnerable learners

12. Safe Practice Procedures

12.1 Risk Assessments

  • Completed for all activities and locations

  • Includes environmental hazards, weather, and individual needs

12.2 Ratios & Supervision

  • Appropriate adult-to-child ratios maintained

  • Clear boundaries set at start of sessions

12.3 First Aid & Training

  • Practitioner holds paediatric and outdoor first aid qualifications

  • First aid kit always accessible

12.4 Communication

  • Emergency contact details collected

  • Clear meeting points and safety briefings

12.5 Behaviour Expectations

  • Clear, consistent expectations

  • Respectful and inclusive environment

13. Safer Working Practices

  • Avoid being alone with a child in isolated settings where possible

  • Maintain visibility (open spaces, public areas where appropriate)

  • Use professional communication channels only

14. Safeguarding Vulnerable Learners

Many sessions may involve:

  • Anxiety

  • Social/emotional needs

  • Low confidence

Approach:

  • Trauma-informed practice

  • Gentle, supportive communication

  • No pressure participation

15. Managing Disclosures (Education)

If a child discloses:

  1. Listen without interruption

  2. Do not investigate or ask leading questions

  3. Reassure (but do not promise secrecy)

  4. Record exactly what was said

  5. Report to SL and refer if necessary

16. Online & Digital Safety

(For digital wellbeing resources/workshops)

  • No sharing of personal contact details

  • Secure platforms used

  • Parent/carer awareness for under 18s

17. Reporting Concerns

Concerns may be reported to:

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team

  • NSPCC Helpline

  • Emergency services (if immediate danger)

  • MASH/LCSS

18. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or:

  • After any safeguarding incident

  • When services expand (e.g. new education provision)

19. Declaration

Active Touch Holistic Wellness is committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and professional environment, supporting individuals through both holistic therapy and educational experiences rooted in wellbeing and nature.

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