Safety and Legal Information

Child Protection

At Small Strides CIC, all employees who work directly with children receive regular training on child protection. Jenny MacSharry holds the position of Child Protection Officer. To access our Child Protection Policy, please click on the link provided below.

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Adult Safeguarding

Regular training in Adult Safeguarding is provided to all staff directly working with adults in our service. Our designated Adult Safeguarding Officer is Jenny MacSharry. To access our Safeguarding Adults Policy, please click on the link provided below.

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Horse Welfare

Horse Welfare is paramount at our centre. Our team of horses are respected as partners in our work, and are matched appropriately to activities and clients. Our horses undergo appropriate training to prepare them for their roles in the team.  We thrive to keep their environment as natural as possible, having a track system in place and keeping them living out as much as possible. The horses have regular treatments including; Reiki, Sports Massage, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Essential Oils and Herb application and Animal Communication sessions. Participants are encouraged to be actively involved with the care and wellbeing of the horses, and any physical abuse towards the horses will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

 

 

 

Complaints Policy

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and effective environment for all participants in our equine facilitated therapy programs. If you have any concerns or complaints regarding your experience, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We take all feedback seriously and will address your concerns promptly, ensuring a thorough review and resolution process. Our goal is to maintain a positive and respectful space for all involved, and we are dedicated to continuously improving our services

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Insurance

We hold a valid Professional, Public & Employers Liability Insurance Policy with Ravenhall for the centre. Jenny is also privately insured through BALENS as an Equine Therapist, Reiki Master and Equine Assisted Therapist (£500,000) and Natural Horsemanship (£500,000). Louisa and Georgia are both insured privately through BALENS as an Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioners. (£500,000)

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Risks

We understand that working with horses involves certain risks, but as an Equine Facilitated Learning Centre, our utmost priority is to minimize those risks. We achieve this by utilizing well-trained horses and closely monitoring their activities through our professional staff. Each session involves a comprehensive evaluation of participants' and horses' capabilities, as well as external factors like weather conditions. Our activities undergo regular risk assessments and are continuously reviewed to ensure safety. It is important to mention that we have experienced only 2 minor accidents/reportable incidents at our centre to date.

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Staff

Small Strides CIC is run by Jenny MacSharry, Managing Director and CEO. Louisa Tickner Jenkins and Georgia Hand are Co-Facilitators and Coach's. 

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Volunteers

At present, we have a group of 7 dedicated volunteers who are responsible for the maintenance of the yard and the care of the horses on non-session days. Volunteers who are involved in client work or during sessions have undergone a thorough screening process, including two verified references and a DBS check. Those who assist with sessions have received training in horse safety and client support, but they will not have sole responsibility for the sessions.

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