Safeguarding & Policies
Safeguarding at Maypole Farm — our approach, key contacts, and our full policy library. The safety of every child in our care is our absolute priority.
Our commitment
Safeguarding at Maypole Farm
The safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child and young person in our care is our absolute, unconditional first priority. Not a compliance requirement. Not a tick-box. A genuine, active commitment.
We work with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our communities — children who may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or significant adversity. Our responsibility to safeguard them is profound and we take it seriously every single day.
Safeguarding shapes how we recruit staff, how we design our environment, how we respond to concerns, and how we work with families and other agencies. It is woven through everything.
Key safeguarding principles
- Every child's welfare is paramount
- All staff receive regular safeguarding training
- All staff are DBS-checked prior to starting
- We work to safer recruitment standards
- We operate within the statutory framework — Working Together to Safeguard Children
- We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- We have a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- We work in multi-agency partnership to protect children
- Any allegation against a staff member is taken seriously and reported appropriately
Designated Safeguarding Lead
[Deputy DSL Name — to be confirmed]
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Reporting a safeguarding concern
If you have a concern about a child's safety or welfare, please act.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
If you have a concern about a child — at Maypole Farm or elsewhere — please:
Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead
For concerns about a child at Maypole Farm, or if you are unsure who to speak to:
Kent County Council — Children's Social Care
To refer a child directly to children's social care in Kent:
Data protection
How we use and protect your information
Maypole Farm is committed to handling the personal data of children, families, and staff lawfully, fairly, and transparently, in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We collect and use personal data only for the purposes we have described — supporting children's education and wellbeing, communicating with families, and meeting our statutory obligations. We do not sell, share inappropriately, or use data in ways that aren't necessary.
You have rights under data protection law — including the right to access information we hold about you, and in certain circumstances to have it deleted. Our full Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notice are available below.
Policy library
All policies and documents
Our full set of policies and documents are available below. They are reviewed regularly and kept up to date. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us.
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
CurrentSets out our approach to keeping children and young people safe, our responsibilities under Working Together to Safeguard Children, and procedures for reporting and responding to concerns.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Adult Safeguarding Policy
CurrentOutlines our duties and procedures for safeguarding adults at risk, in line with the Care Act 2014 and associated guidance.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Online Safety Policy
CurrentDescribes how we support safe and responsible use of technology, protect young people from online harm, and respond to online safety concerns.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Admissions Policy
CurrentExplains our admissions criteria, referral process, and how we assess whether Maypole Farm is the right provision for a young person.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
SEND Policy
CurrentOutlines our approach to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including EHCP implementation and reviewing support.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Health and Safety Policy
CurrentCovers our responsibilities and procedures for maintaining a safe environment for children, young people, and staff — including specific farm environment risk assessments.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Behaviour and Relationships Policy
CurrentDescribes our relational, trauma-informed approach to behaviour — focused on understanding need rather than punishment, and on building positive relationships.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Attendance Policy
CurrentSets out our approach to monitoring and supporting attendance, with particular sensitivity to children with EBSA and anxiety-based non-attendance.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Safer Recruitment Policy
CurrentDescribes our rigorous approach to recruiting staff and volunteers who work with children, including DBS checks, references, and interview procedures.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Whistleblowing Policy
CurrentProvides a clear, safe route for staff, volunteers, and others to raise concerns about practice, conduct, or potential wrongdoing.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Data Protection Policy
CurrentExplains how we collect, store, and use personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and the rights of families and young people.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Privacy Notice (Families)
CurrentA plain-English explanation of how we use the personal data of children, young people, and their families, and their rights under data protection law.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
CurrentSets out our commitment to inclusion, non-discrimination, and equity of access — including our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Exams and Access Arrangements Policy
CurrentExplains how we support young people preparing for qualifications, including access arrangements for those with SEND or specific learning difficulties.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
Complaints Policy
CurrentOutlines how families, young people, and professionals can raise concerns or complaints, and how we will respond in a fair and timely way.
Last reviewed: September 2024 Next review: September 2025
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Document not here?
If you're looking for a specific policy, compliance document, or statement that isn't listed here, please contact us directly and we'll be happy to help.
Contact usQuestions about our safeguarding approach?
We welcome questions from families and professionals. Transparency is part of how we keep children safe.