Policies

Policies and Safeguarding at Woodside Horizons

At Woodside Horizons, we are wholly committed to ensuring the safety, rights, and well-being of every child in our care. Our warm, stable environment is supported by clear, robust policies that promote protection, consistency, and trust.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of our practice. Every member of our team completes comprehensive safeguarding training, equipping them to recognise, respond to, and report any signs of harm, neglect, or abuse. Our safeguarding approach is proactive, reflective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice.

Key components of our safeguarding commitment include:

  • Clear and confidential reporting procedures for concerns and disclosures
  • Accurate and thorough documentation of all safeguarding matters
  • Immediate escalation protocols for urgent risks or incidents
  • Ongoing staff training, reflective supervision, and a culture of professional curiosity

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Elizabeth Cooper, who ensures oversight and coordination with local safeguarding partners to support multi-agency protection and effective responses.

Behaviour Support and Regulation

We understand that behaviour is a form of communication. At Woodside Horizons, we use a relational and therapeutic approach to support young people in expressing themselves safely and learning to regulate their emotions. Our care is anchored in consistency, compassion, and connection, guided by the principles of therapeutic parenting and PACE.

Our behaviour support strategy includes:

  • Personalised plans that reflect each child’s needs and experiences
  • Positive reinforcement and de-escalation through relational connection
  • Proactive approaches to minimise distress and reduce challenging behaviours
  • Staff training on regulation, reflective practice, and safe use of physical intervention (only used to prevent harm and as a last resort)

Complaints and Feedback

We welcome feedback as a valuable tool for growth and accountability. Our complaints procedure is designed to be open, accessible, and child-friendly, ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected.

Key elements of our complaints policy:

  • Clear pathways for raising informal or formal concerns
  • Prompt acknowledgement and impartial investigation of all complaints
  • Transparent outcomes and timely communication
  • Advocacy and support offered throughout, with access to external bodies such as Ofsted, the Children’s Commissioner, and ChildLine

To request further details or specific policy documents, please contact us directly. At Woodside Horizons, safeguarding and relational, high-quality care are the foundations of everything we do.