Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all children, young people, adults, families, visitors and staff who take part in our programmes. While every effort is made to prevent accidents or emergencies, incidents can still occur. When they do, they must be handled calmly, professionally and in a way that protects everyone’s safety and dignity.

We ensure:

• safe environments
• timely first aid
• prompt communication with families
• accurate reporting
• appropriate follow-up
• learning from incidents to reduce future risks

Aim of the Policy

This policy sets out how Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC responds to accidents, incidents and emergencies, records and reports events, ensures appropriate first aid, informs families, investigates incidents fully, reduces future risks and complies with relevant health and safety requirements, including RIDDOR 2013.

Types of Events Covered

• minor injuries
• slips, trips, falls
• illness or sudden medical symptoms
• allergic reactions
• distress or panic episodes
• environmental or equipment hazards
• near misses
• significant injuries requiring emergency services
• aggressive incidents (separate policy)
• missing persons (separate policy)
• safeguarding-related injuries

Actions in the Event of an Accident or Injury

1. Ensure immediate safety.
2. Provide first aid from a trained First Aider.
3. Call 999 if the injury is serious or staff are unsure.
4. Inform parents/carers immediately for serious incidents and at session end for minor injuries.
5. If taken to hospital, a staff member remains until a family member arrives.

Incident Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be recorded using:

• Incident/Accident Report Form
• Body map (if needed)
• Safeguarding notification (if relevant)

RIDDOR reportable incidents will be submitted by the Manager or Health & Safety Lead.

Post-Incident Follow-Up

The organisation will:

• review the incident
• identify causes
• implement improvements
• update support profiles if needed
• provide staff and participant debrief
• inform families of any follow-up actions

Training

All staff receive:

• induction on emergency procedures
• first aid (role dependent)
• de-escalation training
• safeguarding (children & adults)
• health & safety updates
• training on incident reporting

Policy Statement

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC is committed to promoting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of autistic children, young people and adults. We challenge stigma, stereotypes and outdated perceptions that portray autistic people as “different” or “less capable”. Our work centres on inclusion, understanding and celebrating neurodiversity.

Our policies emphasise that every autistic person has:

• the right to meaningful community inclusion
• the right to participate fully in everyday life
• the right to express identity without judgement
• the right to access safe, respectful, supportive environments
• the right to develop skills, confidence and independence

We actively challenge discriminatory behaviour, exclusion, bullying or attitudes that devalue autistic people.

We recognise autistic individuals as equal citizens with equal rights, and our services are designed to promote independence, communication, safety, wellbeing and personal development.

We apply “ordinary living” principles by offering choice, autonomy and opportunities that respect each person’s preferred lifestyle, communication style, sensory needs and personal goals.

Our approach is rooted in person-centred values: we focus on strengths, reduce barriers, and co-create support with individuals and their families.

Our Approach to Support

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC:

• acknowledges that each autistic person has unique strengths, sensory needs and preferences
• provides activities and environments that support communication, emotional regulation and participation
• creates personalised activity plans and support profiles
• promotes independence through life skills, social skills, creativity and confidence-building sessions
• works collaboratively with families, carers, schools and professionals
• supports transitions with sensitivity
• ensures safeguarding remains central in everything we do

Supporting Personal Development

We help autistic individuals develop:

• communication skills
• social and community skills
• emotional regulation strategies
• independent living skills
• sensory tolerance and self-advocacy
• confidence and self-expression

We encourage exploration of interests and talents, and create opportunities for peer mentoring and user involvement.

Behavioural Distress

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC addresses behavioural distress through:

• understanding underlying needs
• sensory-aware and trauma-informed practice
• reducing environmental stressors
• proactive support strategies
• PBS-informed but non-restrictive approaches
• communication alternatives
• co-regulation and calming approaches

We do not use restraint, seclusion, physical interventions or restrictive practices.

Developing Skills & Independence

We provide opportunities for:

• practical skill development
• sensory and emotional regulation
• social confidence
• digital and communication skills
• creative expression
• independent living
• community inclusion

We continuously evolve our services to meet community needs.

Staff Training and Supervision

All staff and volunteers receive training in:

• autism awareness
• sensory processing
• communication approaches
• trauma-informed support
• positive behaviour support
• safeguarding
• equality, diversity & inclusion
• person-centred practice

Role-specific training includes:

• community inclusion skills
• social and emotional development
• PBS-informed de-escalation
• AAC and accessible communication
• sensory regulation

Supervision:

• staff receive regular reflective supervision
• discussion of progress, challenges and development
• support to build meaningful relationships with autistic individuals

Qualifications:

• staff are encouraged to complete relevant CPD and qualifications

Policy Statement

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC supports autistic children, young people and adults with learning disabilities to participate in safe, inclusive and empowering environments. Some individuals may display behaviours that communicate distress, unmet needs, sensory overwhelm, frustration or difficulty regulating emotions. These behaviours can sometimes challenge staff, peers or family members.

This policy outlines how we respond to behaviours that challenge in a non-restrictive, trauma-informed, autism-affirming, person-centred way. We do not use restraint, restrictive practices or physical interventions. Our approach is based on understanding the reason behind the behaviour, reducing distress, supporting regulation and ensuring safety.

This policy applies to all Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC programmes, including after-school clubs, sensory sessions, weekend activities, life skills sessions, adult learning sessions and community events.

1. Principles and Values

• Behaviour is communication.
• No blame, no punishment.
• Zero restrictive practice.
• Person-centred and strengths-based.
• Trauma-informed.
• Sensory-aware.
• Partnership with families.
• Safety for all.

2. Understanding Behaviour

Behaviours that challenge may be caused by sensory overload, communication challenges, anxiety, changes in routine, unmet needs, tiredness, hunger, pain, overwhelm or difficulty understanding expectations. Staff treat all behaviour as information, not misbehaviour.

3. Proactive Support Strategies

• Predictable environments.
• Sensory regulation supports.
• Accessible communication.
• Emotional regulation support.
• Personalised planning.
• Strength-based engagement.

4. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

We use PBS-informed approaches tailored to community environments, focusing on preventing distress, building communication skills, identifying triggers and supporting wellbeing.

5. Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)

BSPs are co-created with families and professionals. They outline triggers, sensory needs, communication preferences, calming strategies and proactive approaches. Plans are reviewed regularly.

6. Responding to Escalating Behaviour

Staff remain calm, give space, reduce sensory input, use de-escalation, offer choices and ensure safety. Staff do not shout, punish, restrain, shame or use restrictive practices.

7. Unplanned Incidents

Staff prioritise safety, remove triggers, provide calm support, notify families if necessary, record factually, and review underlying causes. Emergency services are contacted only when there is immediate risk.

8. Post-Incident Review

Reviews consider triggers, what worked, improvements and updates to plans. Families are included in follow up.

9. Staff Training

Staff receive ongoing training in autism-affirming practice, de-escalation, sensory needs, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, communication support and understanding distress behaviours.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required.

Introduction

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and the protection of human rights. As a community-based organisation supporting autistic individuals, young people and adults with learning disabilities, our aim is to ensure that every person who engages with our programmes feels safe, respected, valued and included.

This policy guides how we support people, how we work with families and carers, and how we expect staff, volunteers and participants to behave. It applies across all services we deliver, including sensory room sessions, after-school and weekend clubs, adult learning and life-skills programmes, social inclusion activities, and family and carer wellbeing support.

Whenever views differ or misunderstandings arise related to identity, race, disability, culture, communication needs, gender, sexuality or human rights, this policy must be used to promote fairness, understanding and respectful communication.

Policy Statement

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC guarantees that every person accessing our services will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. We do not tolerate discrimination or prejudice based on disability, communication style, race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background, or any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

We recognise that autistic people and those with learning disabilities often experience stigma and exclusion. We work actively to challenge discrimination, remove barriers, and create environments where people can thrive.

Participants must also treat staff and peers with respect. Any racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or culturally discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable and will be addressed immediately.

Legal Compliance

Beyond Boundaries Rise CIC operates under:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Care Act 2014 (safeguarding adults)
• UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018

We are not CQC-regulated, but we voluntarily uphold best-practice standards in dignity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Human Rights

We will:

• Never refuse participation based on protected characteristics.
• Never provide inferior or reduced opportunities.
• Make reasonable adjustments for accessibility.
• Address sensory, cognitive and communication needs proactively.
• Challenge discriminatory or abusive behaviour immediately.
• Respect and support cultural identity and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Promote positive interactions in all groups.
• Use non-discriminatory communication and recording.
• Share confidential information lawfully and respectfully.
• Act swiftly on complaints relating to equality or discrimination.
• Support advocacy and additional help where discrimination affects wellbeing.

How We Practise Equality, Diversity & Human Rights

We:

• Celebrate cultural, identity and awareness events.
• Design sensory-considerate, accessible environments.
• Use inclusive teaching and communication strategies.
• Adapt programmes to suit all cognitive and sensory needs.
• Encourage self-expression and personal identity.
• Ensure confidentiality and respectful data handling.
• Train staff in inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Provide safe reporting routes for discrimination or harassment.
• Regularly review our equality and inclusion practices.

Related Policies

• Safeguarding Children Policy
• Safeguarding Adults Policy
• Behaviour Support Policy
• Staff Code of Conduct
• Accessible Information & Communication Policy
• Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Anti-Bullying & Anti-Harassment Policy
• Social Media & Communications Policy

Training

All staff and volunteers receive training in:

• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Autism-affirming practice
• Cultural awareness
• Inclusive and accessible communication
• Safeguarding (children and adults)
• Trauma-informed and person-centred support

This policy is produced for care services that are CQC-registered to provide care and support to children and young people under the age of 18 years in their own homes or who might be in supported living accommodation. It applies also to domiciliary care providers that are registered to provide services for adults over 18 years old, besides those for children. It reflects the Government’s strategy for children and young people as described in its Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) guidance.

Download full policy below: