Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

The C Practice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, wellbeing, participation, and rights of children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.

The safety and welfare of children and young people are paramount. Any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child, young person, or vulnerable individual will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Scope

This policy applies to all services provided by The C Practice, including:

• Occupational therapy assessments
• Occupational therapy intervention
• Parent and family consultations
• School, preschool, and educational setting visits
• Home visits
• Services delivered within The C Room
• Community-based services
• Training and consultation services
• Online and remote services
• Communication with families, professionals, and organisations

Commitment to Safeguarding

The C Practice is committed to:

• Promoting the safety, wellbeing, participation, and rights of children and young people
• Listening to and respecting the voice of the child or young person where appropriate
• Working collaboratively with families and professionals
• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Supporting safe, inclusive, and respectful practice
• Meeting professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities

Professional Responsibilities

Services are delivered by a CORU Registered and HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist.

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for:

• Maintaining appropriate safeguarding knowledge and competence through ongoing professional development and training
• Working within professional standards of conduct, ethics, and practice
• Maintaining accurate and secure records
• Acting in the best interests of children, young people, and vulnerable individuals
• Responding appropriately where safeguarding concerns arise

The C Practice works in accordance with relevant safeguarding legislation, guidance, professional standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to the jurisdictions in which services are delivered.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise where there are indications of:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
• Exploitation
• Online harm
• Bullying
• Self-harm
• Suicidal ideation
• Significant risk-taking behaviour
• Any circumstance where a child, young person, or vulnerable individual may be at risk of harm

This list is not exhaustive.

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Where safeguarding concerns arise, The C Practice will:

• Take concerns seriously
• Record relevant information accurately and objectively
• Consider the nature and level of risk presented
• Seek advice or consultation where appropriate
• Share information with relevant agencies where necessary
• Maintain clear records of actions taken

The welfare and safety of the child, young person, or vulnerable individual will take priority.

Information Sharing

The C Practice recognises the importance of confidentiality and privacy.

Information will normally be shared only with appropriate consent.

However, information may be shared without consent where:

• There are concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable individual
• There is a legal or professional obligation to share information
• Sharing information is necessary to prevent serious harm
• Safeguarding concerns require referral to relevant statutory services or agencies

Only information that is relevant, proportionate, and necessary will be shared.

Working with Other Professionals

Where appropriate and with consent, The C Practice may liaise with:

• Educational settings
• Health professionals
• Social care services
• Community services
• Other professionals involved in supporting the child, young person, or family

Where safeguarding concerns arise, communication with relevant agencies may occur without consent where necessary to protect an individual from harm.

Record Keeping

The C Practice maintains records in accordance with professional, legal, insurance, and regulatory requirements.

Safeguarding concerns, actions, decisions, and information-sharing activities will be documented appropriately and retained securely.

Complaints and Concerns

Any concerns regarding the conduct of services provided by The C Practice may be raised through the Complaints Procedure.

Complaints and safeguarding concerns will be managed separately where appropriate.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated in line with changes in legislation, guidance, professional standards, or service provision.

 

The C Practice

Occupational Therapy Grounded in Compassion, Connection & Co-Regulation

Document Version: 1.0

Date Issued: 15.06.2026

Review Date: June 2027