Inclusion and Behaviour Policy
Our Approach
At Strong Roots, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where all children can perform, create, grow and belong.
We recognise that every child is unique and that behaviour is often a form of communication. We aim to support children positively, working closely with parents and carers to help every child have a successful and enjoyable experience at camp.
Strong Roots welcomes children with a wide range of abilities and additional needs. Whilst we are not a specialist SEND provision, we will always consider what reasonable adjustments and support we may be able to offer to enable children to access and enjoy our camps safely.
Information from Parents and Carers
Parents and carers must provide accurate and complete information regarding their child's needs when booking.
This includes, but is not limited to:
* Diagnosed or undiagnosed SEND.
* Medical conditions.
* Communication needs.
* Sensory needs.
* Behavioural support needs.
* Any known triggers or anxieties.
* Strategies that successfully support their child.
* Any history of physical aggression towards adults or children.
* Any behaviours that may present a risk to themselves or others.
Failure to disclose significant information may result in Strong Roots being unable to safely meet a child's needs and may result in the child's place being withdrawn.
Toilet Independence
Due to staffing ratios and the nature of our camp environment, children attending Strong Roots camps must be fully toilet independent and able to manage toileting without adult support.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide intimate care.
Positive Behaviour Support
Our staff use a range of positive behaviour strategies, including praise, clear expectations and routines, redirection, movement or sensory breaks where appropriate, and working closely with parents/carers to identify successful strategies.
Where appropriate, children will be given reminders and warnings to help them make positive choices.
Expectations of Children
We expect all children attending Strong Roots camps to:
* Treat staff, other children and the camp environment with kindness and respect.
* Follow reasonable instructions from staff.
* Stay with their group and within designated activity areas.
* Participate safely in activities.
Safety and Challenging Behaviour
The safety of all children and staff is our highest priority.
Any behaviour that places the child themselves, other children or members of staff at risk may result in parents/carers being asked to collect their child immediately. Depending on the nature, severity and frequency of the behaviour, this may also result in the child's place at camp being withdrawn.
Examples of behaviours that may result in a child being collected include, but are not limited to:
* Attempting to leave the group, venue or designated activity area without permission, including running away.
* Physical aggression towards children or staff
* Throwing objects in a manner that could cause injury or damage.
* Repeated use of inappropriate or offensive language after warnings have been given.
* Deliberately damaging equipment or property.
* Any behaviour that requires a level of supervision or intervention beyond what Strong Roots can safely provide.
* Any behaviour that poses a significant risk to the child themselves, other children, staff or members of the public.
Where appropriate, staff will use positive behaviour strategies and issue warnings before further action is taken. However, where there is an immediate risk to safety, parents/carers may be contacted and asked to collect their child without prior warning.
Withdrawal of a Place
Strong Roots reserves the right to withdraw a child's place, either temporarily or permanently, if:
* The safety of the child, staff or other children is compromised.
* The child's needs cannot be safely met within our staffing ratios or camp environment.
* Parents/carers have not provided accurate or complete information about their child's needs.
* The child's behaviour requires a level of supervision or support beyond what Strong Roots can reasonably provide.
Where possible, concerns will be discussed with parents/carers and reasonable adjustments considered before a final decision is made.
Working in Partnership
Parents/carers must remain contactable by telephone whilst their child is attending camp and be able to arrange prompt collection if requested.
By booking a place at Strong Roots, parents and carers acknowledge and agree to work in partnership with Strong Roots to support their child and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.