Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: June 2026

1. Our Commitment

Equine Therapony is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who use our services. We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, listened to and protected from harm.

This policy applies to all members of the Equine Therapony team, Perry Cragg, Sam Wooler and Paula Henley-Cragg (MA), as well as any volunteers or assistants who may work with us.

2. DBS Checks

All practitioners at Equine Therapony who work directly with children and young people hold a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. These are reviewed and renewed in line with guidance from the relevant professional bodies.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Paula Henley-Cragg (MA), who holds formal Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) qualifications and has specific responsibility for safeguarding matters within the team.

Contact: 07519 606659 | info@equinetherapony.co.uk

4. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All team members are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. If a concern arises during or in connection with a session, our process is:

• Record the concern accurately and promptly in writing
• Report it immediately to the DSL (Paula Henley-Cragg (MA))
• The DSL will assess whether a referral to the local authority children's social care or police is required
• We will not investigate allegations ourselves, but we will act promptly and cooperate fully with statutory agencies

5. Confidentiality and Disclosure

All information shared within sessions is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where there is a risk of significant harm to a child or young person. In such cases, we have a professional and legal duty to share information with the appropriate statutory authorities, and we will do so without delay.

We will, wherever possible and appropriate, inform the young person and/or their parent/guardian that a referral is being made, unless doing so would put anyone at greater risk.

6. Working with Parents and Carers

We believe that families are central to the wellbeing of children and young people. We work in partnership with parents and carers and keep them informed of progress and any concerns (subject to the child's right to confidentiality as appropriate to their age and understanding). We operate a consent process for all young people under 18 prior to beginning any work.

7. Safer Recruitment

Any person joining the Equine Therapony team who may have unsupervised access to children will undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide references before commencing work. We follow safer recruitment practices in line with current guidance.

8. Reporting a Concern

If you have a concern about the welfare of a child or young person in connection with our services, please contact Paula Henley-Cragg (MA) directly on 07519 606659 or email info@equinetherapony.co.uk.

In an emergency, always call 999. You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, statutory guidance, or best practice changes. The next review is due June 2027.