Our approach comes from our intention that ReNaturing will be a place of welcome, celebration, connection and compassion, committed to the wellbeing and safety of all in our community (students, mentors, families and friends). 

Supporting Relationships with Children and Young People

We recognise that children and young people first and foremost need warm, engaged relationships with the adults around them in order to develop, thrive and learn. We see behaviour as information about a child’s needs and experience. Distressed behaviour signals unmet needs and we seek to work together with parents to identify the needs and find a compassionate response. We are committed to responding in respectful ways when things are challenging, avoiding using punishment and reward methods of behaviour management. 

Our intention is to work in partnership with parents to support children and young people to develop their capacity to regulate their own behaviour through relationships with the adults around them. 

The following key principles guide our work with children and young people: 

1. Consistent Positive Connection so that all are seen and heard, throughout each day 

2. Clear Values – every child being aware of our group values, which have been worked out together as a group at the start of the year and are continually revisited 

3. Compassionate in response to all 

Supporting Adult Relationships 

The following core principles guide our work with adults, including within our team of mentors, tutors, guardians and volunteers, with and amongst our parents and in relation with the wider community. 

(i) Trust – respecting the inner knowing within each one of us, trusting our instincts, as well as striving toward trusting each other 

(ii) Authenticity - showing up in our full being and knowing we are welcome as we are, carrying with this an awareness of others and responsibility for how we are 

(iii) Integrity – striving toward wholeness and honesty in our personal walk 

(iv) Compassion – committed to compassionate awareness of ourselves and others, actively supporting the wellbeing of all others, in acknowledgment and respect for who they are 

(v) Responsibility – taking personal responsibility for ourselves, our behaviour and our willingness to engage with others in community 

This code of conduct will be updated annually.

Last updated September 2024

ReNaturing’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion comes from our intention that we be a place of welcome, celebration, connection and compassion, committed to the wellbeing and safety of all in our community (students, mentors, families and friends). In addition, we honour the wider natural world of which we are a part, and as such, we believe all have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, whether human, plant or animal. 

Equality 

We will work to ensure that every individual child and young person enrolled at ReNaturing has an equal opportunity to grow, develop and experience full participation in our programme. No individual will be unjustly discriminated against because of their background, belief, age, sexual orientation or identity choices. We strive to ensure that every adult within the community (mentors, tutors, parents, prospective parents and friends) has an equal opportunity to access all relevant information, communications and participatory activities. 

Diversity 

We recognise that, though people have things in common with each other, they are also different in many ways. We have a programme which strives to honour the individual as well as recognise each one’s place in respecting, honouring and supporting each other in community. We strive to welcome families and team members from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and recognise the importance of diversity in supporting a holistic learning journey for children and young people. Included within this is our recognition of the wider natural world which surrounds and supports us, and we strive to work with Nature to celebrate and honour diversity of species alongside diversity of all in the natural world, human and otherwise. 

Inclusion

We strive to cocreate a culture that allows people to be themselves where differences are not just accepted, they are valued. Inclusive leadership, language and actions help ensure people feel involved, respected and connected. 

This policy will be reviewed annually

Last updated September 2024

Definitions 

There are three main types of physical handling:

Positive Handling 

The positive use of touch is a normal part of human interaction. Touch might be appropriate in a range of situations at ReNaturing, for example: 

• Giving guidance to children (such as how to hold a paintbrush, or when balancing/climbing) 

• Providing emotional support (such as placing an arm around a distressed child)

• Providing a hug for a child (for example if a younger child is hurt/very upset)

• Sitting close beside an adult to share a story/song etc.

• Physical care (such as first aid)

• Hand holding, providing the child is compliant and not as a restraint (please read additional note re hand holding in Restrictive Physical Intervention)

Restrictive Physical Intervention 

This is when a member of staff has to use physical force intentionally to restrict a child’s movement against his or her will. 

Principles for the use of Positive Handling and Physical Intervention 

Our staff all exercise appropriate care when using touch and when implementing means of physical intervention. Where possible (and appropriate) physical actions including positive handling are done in the open with individual adults making colleagues aware of what they are doing. Staff should bear this in mind when providing positive handling. 

The use of Restrictive Physical Intervention 

Staff at ReNaturing will only use physical restrictive handling as a last resort where all other possible de-escalation skills have been used and where there is a significant risk of harm occurring, for example when a child is injuring themselves or others or a child is damaging property.

Staff will do all we can in order to avoid using restrictive physical intervention. Restrictive physical intervention will only be used when staff believe that its use is in the child’s best interest: their needs are paramount. All staff aim to help children take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions. This will be done through a combination of approaches including:

• Positive and consistent role modelling

• Planning a stimulating, interesting and relaxed environment

• Setting and enforcing appropriate boundaries and expectations 

• Providing positive feedback

However, there are very occasional times when a child’s behaviour presents particular challenges that may require physical handling. Within our duty of care, staff may use physical restrictive handling if a child is trying to leave the setting and would be at risk of harm. This policy extends beyond the setting boundaries when staff have charge of children off site. 

Physical Restrictive Handling will never be used out of anger or as a punishment, and when used will always be within the principle of reasonable minimal force in proportion to the circumstances. Our staff will use as little restrictive force as necessary in order to maintain safety. Staff will use this for as short a period as possible. 

Who can use restrictive physical intervention? 

Where possible, restrictive physical intervention will only be used by employed staff, rather than volunteers. As a last resort, any member of staff or volunteer may need to provide restrictive physical intervention in an emergency situation in order to prevent a child from causing harm to themselves or someone else. 

What type of restrictive physical intervention can and cannot be used? 

Any use of restrictive physical intervention in our setting is consistent with the principle of reasonable minimum force. Where it is judged necessary, staff will: 

• Aim for side by side contact between adult and child to reduce the risk of being injured

• Aim for no gap between the adult and child body to reduce the risk of impact and damage

• Aim to avoid holding the child at joints to avoid pain and damage 

• Aim to avoid lifting the child 

• Not restrict the child’s ability to breathe 

At no time will a child be forced to spend time alone in a locked room.

After Physical Restrictive Intervention the situation will be reviewed. 

Recording and Reporting 

The use of restrictive physical intervention will be documented in our ReNaturing incident log. Marisa and the parent/carer will be advised on the same day. 

Supporting and Reviewing

It is distressing to be involved in a restrictive physical intervention, whether as the person doing the holding, the child being held or someone observing or hearing about what has happened. Support will be given to all those who were involved.

After a restrictive physical intervention our staff will review the incident so that the risk of needing to use restrictive physical intervention again is reduced. 

Monitoring 

Monitoring the use of restrictive physical intervention will help identify trends and therefore help with our ability to meet the needs of the children more effectively. 

Complaints 

Where anyone (child, carer, staff member or visitor) has a concern, this should be dealt with in line with our Complaints Policy.

This policy will be updated annually

Last update September 2024

ReNaturing is committed to building a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children in our care are protected from abuse, harm and radicalisation. 

ReNaturing will respond promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns regarding the safety of a child that may occur. ReNaturing’s child protection procedures comply with all relevant legislation and with guidance issued by the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.

There is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) available at all times while the Club is in session. The DSL coordinates safeguarding and child protection issues and liaises with external agencies (eg Social Care and Ofsted).

ReNaturing’s designated DSL is Marisa Formicola.

Child abuse and neglect

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly, or by failing to protect them from harm. Some forms of child abuse and neglect are listed below. 

• Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child so as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve making the child feel that they are worthless, unloved, or inadequate. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

• Physical abuse can involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may be also caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes, ill health to a child.

• Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This can involve physical contact, or non-contact activities such as showing children sexual activities or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

• Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. It can involve a failure to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter, to protect a child from physical and emotional harm, to ensure adequate supervision or to allow access to medical treatment.

Signs of child abuse and neglect

Signs of possible abuse and neglect may include: 

• significant changes in a child's behaviour 

• deterioration in a child’s general well-being

• unexplained bruising or marks

• comments made by a child which give cause for concern

• reasons to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting, eg in the child’s home, or that a girl may have been subjected to (or is at risk of) female genital mutilation (FGM), or that the child may have witnessed or be living with domestic abuse

• inappropriate behaviour displayed by a member of staff, or any other person. For example, inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their role, or inappropriate sharing of images. 

If abuse is suspected or disclosed

When a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff will:

• reassure the child that they were not to blame and were right to speak out 

• listen to the child but not question them

• give reassurance that the staff member will take action

• record the incident as soon as possible (see Logging an incident below).

If a member of staff witnesses or suspects abuse, they will record the matter straightaway using the Logging a concern form. If a third party expresses concern that a child is being abused, we will encourage them to contact Social Care directly. If they will not do so, we will explain that ReNaturing is obliged to and the incident will be logged accordingly.

All staff recognise that children may not feel ready or know how to tell someone that they are being abused, exploited or neglected and/or they may not recognise their experiences as harmful. This could be due to their vulnerability, disability or language barriers. They may also feel embarrassed, humiliated or are being threatened. Our staff recognise this and where they have any concerns about a child they will raise these with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) without unreasonable delay. 

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM is an illegal, extremely harmful practice and a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. FGM is therefore dealt with as part of our existing safeguarding procedures. All of our staff receive training in how to recognise when girls are at risk of FGM or may have been subjected to it. 

If FGM is suspected or disclosed

We will follow the same procedures as set out above for responding to child abuse and will make a report to Children’s Social Care directly. 

Child-on-Child abuse

Children are vulnerable to abuse by their peers. Child-on-Child abuse is taken seriously by staff and will be subject to the same child protection procedures as other forms of abuse. Staff are aware of the potential uses of technology and the internet for bullying and abusive behaviour between young people. 

Staff will not dismiss abusive behaviour as normal between young people. The presence of one or more of the following in relationships between children should always trigger concern about the possibility of child-on-child abuse: 

• Sexual activity (in primary school-aged children) of any kind, including sexting

• One of the children is significantly more dominant than the other (eg much older)

• One of the children is significantly more vulnerable than the other (eg in terms of disability, confidence, physical strength) 

• There has been some use of threats, bribes or coercion to ensure compliance or secrecy. 

If child-on-child abuse is suspected or disclosed

We will follow the same procedures as set out above for responding to child abuse.

Extremism and radicalisation

All childcare settings have a legal duty to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and being drawn into extremism. There are many reasons why a child might be vulnerable to radicalisation, eg:

• feeling alienated or alone

• seeking a sense of identity or individuality

• suffering from mental health issues such as depression

• desire for adventure or wanting to be part of a larger cause

• associating with others who hold extremist beliefs

Signs of radicalisation

Signs that a child might be at risk of radicalisation include:

• changes in behaviour, for example becoming withdrawn or aggressive

• claiming that terrorist attacks and violence are justified

• viewing violent extremist material online

• possessing or sharing violent extremist material

If a member of staff suspects that a child is at risk of becoming radicalised, they will record any relevant information or observations on a Logging a concern form, and refer the matter to the DSL.

Logging a concern

All information about the suspected abuse or disclosure, or concern about radicalisation, will be recorded on the Logging a concern form as soon as possible after the event. The record should include:

• date of the disclosure, or the incident, or the observation causing concern

• date and time at which the record was made

• name and date of birth of the child involved

• a factual report of what happened. If recording a disclosure, you must use the child’s own words

• name, signature and job title of the person making the record.

The record will be given to the Club’s DSL who will decide on the appropriate course of action. 

For concerns about child abuse, the DSL will contact Social Care. The DSL will follow up all referrals to Social Care in writing within 48 hours. If a member of staff thinks that the incident has not been dealt with properly, they may contact Social Care directly.

For minor concerns regarding radicalisation, the DSL will contact the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership. For more serious concerns the DSL will contact the Police on the non-emergency number (101), or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. For urgent concerns the DSL will contact the Police using 999.

Allegations against staff 

If anyone makes an allegation of child abuse against a member of staff:

• The allegation will be recorded on an Incident record form. Any witnesses to the incident should sign and date the entry to confirm it.

• The allegation must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and to Ofsted. The LADO will advise if other agencies (eg police) should be informed, and the Club will act upon their advice. Any telephone reports to the LADO will be followed up in writing within 48 hours.

• Following advice from the LADO, it may be necessary to suspend the member of staff pending full investigation of the allegation.

• If appropriate, the Club will make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Promoting awareness among staff

ReNaturing promotes awareness of child abuse and the risk of radicalisation through its staff training. The Club ensures that:

• the designated DSL has relevant experience and receives appropriate training in safeguarding and the Prevent Duty, and is aware of the Channel Programme and how to access it

• designated person training is refreshed every two years

• safe recruitment practices are followed for all new staff

• all staff have a copy of this Safeguarding policy, understand its contents and are vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect or radicalisation

• all staff are aware of their statutory duties with regard to the disclosure or discovery of child abuse, and concerns about radicalisation

• all staff receive basic safeguarding training, and safeguarding is a permanent agenda item at all staff meetings ensuring staff receive at least annual safeguarding updates. 

• all staff receive basic training in the Prevent Duty

• staff are familiar with the Safeguarding File which is kept in the locked car during outings, and in the locked filing cabinet when not

• ReNaturing’s procedures are in line with the guidance in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)’ and staff are familiar with ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused (2015)’.

Use of mobile phones and cameras

Photographs will only be taken of children with their parents’ permission. Only the club camera will be used to take photographs of children at the Club, except with the express permission of the manager. Neither staff nor children nor visitors may use their mobile phones or wearable technology such as smart watches to take photographs at the Club. For more details see our Mobile Phone and Wearable Technology Policy. 

Responding to adults trespassing for the purposes of abuse

If at the Angela Cobbold Hall, our front door must remain unlocked due to it being a fire exit - however it is secured to make entry from outside difficult. A member of staff will remain in the main hall at all times, allowing them to notice if someone is trying to gain entry. No-one will be able to gain entrance to the hall without a member of staff noticing. No unidentified person will be admitted to the hall under any circumstances. 

Contact numbers

MASH professional consultation line: 0345 6061499

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): LADO@suffolk.gov.uk or 0300 123 2044 (central number)

Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership: www.suffolksp.org.uk

Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)

Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

NSPCC: 0808 800 500

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

This policy is updated annually

Last Updated September 2024

ReNaturing understands the importance of fire safety. To this end:

• Staff are aware of the location of all fire exits, the fire assembly point and where fire safety equipment is stored.

• Children are introduced to the fire safety procedures during their settling in period and through regular fire drills.

• Fire drills are conducted at least once a half term.

• All children are shown the location of fire exits and the fire assembly point.

• Fire doors are not obstructed at any time and are easily opened from the inside.

• Fire doors are kept closed at all times but never locked.

• Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are regularly tested in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.

• All fire drills are recorded in the Fire Drill Log.

Fire prevention

ReNaturing will take all steps possible to prevent fires occurring by:

• Ensuring that power points are not overloaded with adaptors and clear of flammable materials.

• Ensuring that ReNaturing’s No Smoking policy is always observed.

• Checking for frayed or trailing wires.

• Checking that fuses are replaced safely.

• Unplugging all equipment before leaving the premises.

• Storing any potentially flammable materials safely.

In the event of a fire

• A member of staff will raise the alarm and call the emergency services.

• The children will immediately be escorted out of the building to the assembly point using the nearest marked exit. 

• No attempt will be made to collect personal belongings, or to re-enter the building after evacuation.

• The premises will be checked by the Fire Safety Officer and the register will be collected, providing that it is safe to do so. 

• The Fire Safety Officer will close all doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire when they leave the building if it is safe to do so.

• The register will be taken and all children and staff accounted for. 

• If anyone is missing from the register, the emergency services will be informed. 

• If the register is not available the manager will use the emergency contacts list (which is kept off the premises) to contact parents or carers.

• If the Fire Safety Officer is not present at the time of the incident, the most senior member of staff will assume responsibility.

Responsibilities of the Fire Safety Officer

ReNaturing’s Designated Fire Safety Officer is Marisa Formicola. The Fire Safety Officer is responsible for carrying out the fire safety risk assessment and for ensuring that all staff are made aware of fire safety procedures during their Induction period. 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that a fire safety risk assessment is undertaken for the workplace based on The Department of Communities and Local Government’s 5 step guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/14899/fsra-5-step-checklist.pdf 

The risk assessment should cover:

• Identifying potential fire risks

• Identifying people at risk

• Evaluating the risks arising from the hazards identified and the means of minimising those risks

• Recording the hazards, preparing a fire prevention plan and sharing these with other members of staff

• Reviewing the fire safety risk assessment on a regular basis.

Our Fire Safety Risk Assessment is held by ReNaturing and can be viewed on request.

This policy should be reviewed annually.

Last updated: September 2024

Health and Safety Policy 

1. Aim of Policy 

To ensure that all learning activities delivered by ReNaturing are safe and healthy, that risks are identified and managed, and that accidents and emergencies are dealt with quickly and effectively. It must be understood that all activities will not be completely risk free as children may be undertaking activities such as woodwork or tree climbing. ReNaturing does not intend to prevent these activities from taking place and all parents need to be aware of this. The purpose of this policy is to clarify how risks will be managed and the procedures which shall be put in place to ensure the health and safety of all children. 

2. Outline of Responsibilities 

Responsibility for the health and safety of home educated children remains with the child's parents/ guardians, however when attending activities delivered by ReNaturing, it is the ReNaturing team’s responsibility to: 

1. Check the environment is safe and healthy with regards to physical hazards 

2. Risk assess the activity taking place and identify how to reduce/manage any risks 

3. Plan to avoid accidents/emergencies and deal with them promptly should they arise 

4. Aim for emotional and physical safety for all students at all times 

3. Risk Assessment Process 

1. The Grove will risk assess all venues from which we operate , which will be reviewed annually. 

2. Every mentor and tutor who is in direct delivery of a session is responsible for risk assessing their own session (see appendix A). Risk assessments are to be shared with the Coordinator in ample advance time before the session takes place and signed off. 

3. Where the Co-Ordinator deems it necessary for a second opinion they will speak with other members from the team to gain their opinion before a decision is taken to sign off the risk assessment. 

4. Accidents and Emergencies 

1. There will always be a minimum of one person with up to date first aid training on site (First Aid At Work). All mentors have up-to-date first aid training. 

2. We will keep a well-stocked first aid kit on site at all times. 

3. All students have an up-to-date medical consent form, including listing any medical conditions or issues ReNaturing should be aware of, which is completed upon admission and renewed every 12 months, or more often if something changes.

4. ReNaturing ensures there is at least one adult on site per group, with at least one additional adult available by phone and within reasonable distance (ie between the village hall and the studio) .

5. With older groups (age 10+), the mentors ensure that their group are well aware of procedures in the event of an emergency or the mentor being in some way incapacitated.

6. Any accidents will be dealt with accordingly, then recorded and parents notified at the end of the day, unless it is a head injury in which case parents will be notified immediately.

7. If the first aider deems it necessary for the student to go home, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately and expected to collect their child as soon as is reasonably possible.

8. If immediate medical help is required, parents will be contacted immediately and a member of the ReNaturing team will remain with the student until the parent arrives.

5. Requirements for All Mentors and Tutors 

It is our requirement that all mentors and tutors have their own up to date enhanced DBS certificate. In addition, our hiring process requires 2 references and child protection and safeguarding training. 

6. Adult to Student Ratio 

At ReNaturing we aim for adult/student ratios of 1:8 for age 6 to 11; 1:12 for age 11-16 

The ratio aims to reflect: 

• the amount of adult support the children need to undertake each activity safely 

• the procedures for dealing with accidents/emergencies ensuring the adult-child ratio enables help to be called and an available adult to take the child out of the group to seek help/medical aid 

• the opinions of parents 

• any legal/insurance regulations 

Please note that although this is an aim, there may be times when we exceed this ratio for a short time.

7. Travelling between the village hall and our studio 

As children will occasionally have to travel between the village hall and our studio during the day, ReNaturing will ensure that 

1. Groups with children age 6 to 12 travel in a group with at least one adult 

2. Group leaders carry a charged mobile phone 

3. The route is well known and has been risk assessed 

4. Upper years students age 13-16 can travel in a group without an adult, once the group mentor has walked the route with them multiple times, is confident they will be aware and safe, and has informed their parents they will be walking as a group without an adult. Teachers will communicate to one another to notify them that pupils are setting off to walk down to the second site.

8. Registration 

1.It is the responsibility of the mentors to keep an accurate up to date register of students.

2. If a student is absent without notification, the parent/guardian will be contacted to ascertain their whereabouts. 

3. It is the responsibility of the mentor to ensure they keep an up-to-date register with them when they are off site. 

9. Arrival and Collection 

1. It is the responsibility of each parent/guardian to ensure the safety of their child before they arrive at ReNaturing and when they leave 

2. Mentors for children age up to 11 will be aware of the travel plan for each child in their care 

10. Trips 

1. Parents and mentors together organise travel arrangements to the trip location 

2. Once on site at the location it is the mentor’s responsibility to ensure the group’s safety and wellbeing at all times 

3. A certain number of parent volunteers may be required for each trip to go ahead 

4. Risk assessments will be carried out for all trips well in advance 

11. Accessibility

Our intention is for ReNaturing to be an accessible project for children and young people with a range of needs and abilities. However we are aware that there are some children for whom ReNaturing does not cater, as we do not have the resources to support them. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility, in line with what is possible and practical with the resources available to us. 

12. Fire Safety Management 

ReNaturing is committed to fire safety. See our Fire Safety Risk Assessment for specific details, including who is responsible and our evacuation plan.

13. GDPR 

ReNaturing is committed to meeting and upholding the principles of the GDPR. ReNaturing will securely hold personal data on enrolled students including but not limited to: 

• Contact information 

• Medical information 

• Previous school (or other relevant) reports 

• Progress records 

In addition we will hold the contact details of each parent with a student enrolled at ReNaturing, and the information will be securely held and used for Grove parent communications and keeping parents informed of events, festivals and all related activities. Other interested par7es may join our mailing list where they will be informed of our community events and festivals. Their data will be securely held and not shared with any third party. Data will be retained until five years after a student leaves if they are transferring to a school or out of ReNaturing. Data will be retained until the student turns 21 if they remain with ReNaturing until the age of 16. 

Parents and students have the right to request access of their data at any time. 

14. Insurance 

Our insurance provider is Morton Michel. Policy Number tbc. Period of insurance 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. 

15. Health and Safety Team 

Marisa Formicola has overall responsibility for ensuring health and safety in the below named areas, with accountability and support from the guardians: 

1. First Aid 

2. Electrical equipment 

3. Accident and Incident Reporting 

4. General Site Safety 

5. Fire Safety 

This policy is updated annually

Last updated: September 2024

1. Expenditure Outline Plan 
   

ReNaturing is currently entirely funded through student fees. We recognise that although it is a three-day project for students, we are expecting each mentor to engage fully with their role, including all the preparation and meeting time around the specific contact time with the students, and including a fourth day for personal and professional development. In order to facilitate the best possible programme for the students, we like to resource the mentors with specific training, as well as supplies.

We choose venues which we feel best meet our vision and ethos, including a strong land-base at Moons Wood, Burgh, and indoor spaces at the village hall and our studio in Monewden - here we can provide a base to shelter within, engage in more focused learning, and come together. 

We bring in extra tutors to work with the students where possible, to enhance our programme and the students’ experience of a range of expertise and adult role models. 

Additional expenses include insurance, contingency planning and partial bursaries. 

2. Income and Fees 

The fees per student are currently £6000 per year. Where families face financial constraints that would prevent them from attending, partial bursaries may be an option and we will do our best to find a way forward for each individual family. 

Fees are payable upfront by monthly standing order, termly or annually.

3. Application

We ask for a non-refundable £50 application fee per student, payable upon submission of the application. We then ask for a further £100 fee per ‘experience week’ that the applicant is invited to participate in, which is normally 1-2 weeks after which a decision is made by ReNaturing, the family and the applicant with regard to them joining permanently.

4. Refundable deposit 

A deposit of one month’s fees is payable prior to admission. The deposit will be refunded or deducted from the final invoice when a student leaves ReNaturing.

5. Notice Period 

We ask for a full term’s notice in writing for any student withdrawing from ReNaturing. The written notice needs to reach us before the first day of the student’s last term attending. If notice is given once their last term has already begun, the tuition fees for an additional term will need to be paid upon receipt of the final invoice. 

6. Accessibility 

We believe in making this programme as accessible as possible, and we are aware that many families are suffering financial difficulties for a wide range of reasons, not least with the increase in the cost of living. We are therefore asking families who are able to give a bit more than the set tuition fees, to do so in order that those families who are not able to pay may consider sending their child to ReNaturing. 

Applications for families unable to pay full fees will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would like to ensure longevity and sustainability for ReNaturing, and thus need to exercise financial responsibility over decisions regarding how many students we can admit who are paying less than the full amount. Our model is one that includes both a clear process and a degree of intuitive sense, and we wish to remain accessible, open and transparent as we deal with these matters. 

This policy will be reviewed annually

Last updated: September 2024

At ReNaturing we aim to work in partnership with parents to deliver a high quality tutoring programme. If for any reason we fall short of this goal, we would like to be informed in order to amend our practices for the future. Our complaints policy is displayed on the website at all times. Records of all complaints are kept for at least three years. 

Marisa Formicola is usually responsible for dealing with complaints. If the complaint is about Marisa, then another senior member of staff will investigate the matter. Any complaints received about staff members will be recorded on an Incident log and a Complaints log will be completed. Any complaints made will be dealt with in the following manner:

Stage one

Complaints about aspects of ReNaturing activity:

• Marisa will discuss the matter informally with the parent or carer concerned and aim to reach a satisfactory resolution.

Complaints about an individual staff member: 

• If appropriate the parent will be encouraged to discuss the matter with staff concerned.

• If the parent feels that this is not appropriate, the matter will be discussed with Marisa who will then discuss the complaint with the staff member and try to reach a satisfactory resolution.

• Should the complaint be about Marisa, then parents should discuss the matter with Kelly McLoughlin who will then discuss the complaint with Marisa and try to reach a satisfactory resolution.

Stage two

If it is impossible to reach a satisfactory resolution to the complaint through informal discussion, the parent or carer should put their complaint in writing to Marisa. Marisa will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the letter within 7 days.

• Investigate the matter and notify the complainant of the outcome within 28 days.

• Send a full response in writing, to all relevant parties, including details of any recommended changes to be made to ReNaturing’s practices or policies as a result of the complaint.

• Meet relevant parties to discuss ReNaturing’s response to the complaint, either together or on an individual basis.

If child protection issues are raised, Marisa will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and follow the procedures of the Safeguarding Children Policy. If a criminal act may have been committed, Marisa will contact the police. 

Unresolved complaints

For serious complaints that parents and carers feel remain unresolved, despite the actions of Stages one and two, complaints can be submitted to our CIC Directors. Contact details can be found on Companies House Website or by asking Marisa. 

This policy will be reviewed annually

Last updated: September 2024

Missing Child Procedure 

At ReNaturing we are always alert to the possibility that children can go missing during sessions. To minimise the risk of this happening staff will carry out periodic head counts, particularly when on external outings.

If a child cannot be located, the following steps will be taken:

• All staff will be informed that the child is missing.

• Staff will conduct a thorough search of the premises/location and surrounding area.

• If the child is still missing after 10 minutes the police will be informed. Marisa or Kelly will then contact the child’s parents or carers.

• Staff will continue to search for the child whilst waiting for the police and parents to arrive. 

• We will maintain as normal a routine as possible for the rest of the children.

• Marisa and/or Kelly will liaise with the police and the child’s parent or carer.

The incident will be recorded in the Incident Log. A review will be conducted regarding this and any other related incidents along with relevant policies and procedures. We will identify and implement any changes as necessary.

This procedure will be reviewed annually.

Last updated: September 2024

Privacy Notice

1. Contact Information 

Address: ReNaturing, 1 Brickfield Cottages, Monewden, Suffolk, IP13 7BZ

Telephone: 07795194021

Email: marisa@renaturing.co.uk

Website: www.renaturing.co.uk

2. Data Protection Officer 

Marisa Formicola (contact above) 

3. Purpose of Data Collection 

Personal data is collected when a child is enrolled in our tutoring programme, family woodland afternoon or Parent and Child sessions. This data is essential for the administratIon and effectIve operation of our programme. The information collected includes (but is not limited to) the child's name, date of birth, contact details, educational history, and any specific learning or medical requirements. 

4. Data Storage and Processing 

Upon application, the provided personal data is stored securely on a password-protected PC and in encrypted online files accessible only by relevant team members who need this information for the proper functioning of the programme. These team members include educators, administrators, and support team. Any printed copies in paper form are stored securely in our administrative office, in a safe-box, which is kept locked. 

5. Use of Data 

The collected data is used for the following purposes: 

• Managing and organising the child's participation in the ReNaturing home-schooling programme/after-school club/parent and child 

• Creating and maintaining progress reports, assessments, and individual learning plans 

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of the children by sharing relevant information with appropriate team members 

• Complying with legal obligations, including safeguarding requirements 

• Communicating with the community about specific events and activities 

6. Sharing of Data 

Personal data is shared with relevant team members on a need-to-know basis. In exceptional circumstances, such as a safeguarding referral, information may be shared with external specialists, parents or legal guardians as necessary to ensure the child's safety and well-being. 

7. Data Retention 

The collected data will be retained for a period of up to five years after a child leavesReNaturing.. This retention period allows us to address any inquiries, evaluate programme effectiveness, and comply with potential legal obligations. 

8. Your Rights 

Parents or legal guardians of children attending ReNaturing have the following rights: 

• The right to access the personal data we hold about your family. You can request details of the information we have collected and stored. 

• The right to withdraw your consent for us to store your child's data upon leaving ReNaturing. If you choose to withdraw consent, we will securely delete the data within a reasonable timeframe, taking into account any legal obligations. 

• The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe that we are not handling your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws