Child Protection Policy

Introduction
A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years (The Children Act, 1989).  For the purpose of this policy:

• The term child refers to all children and young people under the age of 18 years involved in Sunflower Trust-led activities, events and/or participating in Sunflower programmes.  
• The term Sunflower employee refers to all individuals working under a formal title awarded by the Sunflower Trust and receiving financial payment from the Trust for the work undertaken.
• The term Sunflower Trustee refers to all individuals formally nominated for and appointed to the position of Trustee in accordance with the regulations on Trustee appointment set out by the Charities Commission.
• The term Sunflower practitioner refers to all individuals fully trained in the delivery of the Sunflower Programme and who are formally recognised and approved by the Sunflower Trust as competent to carry out the Sunflower Programme.

Statutory Obligations

1. All Sunflower employees, Sunflower practitioners and Sunflower Trustees will be CRB cleared.
2. All information relating to child patients will be kept strictly confidential. This includes personal health records and contact details.
3. Each and every Sunflower practitioner is either a fully qualified GP, Osteopath, Chiropractic or any other relevant profession with a recognised governing body that they must be a current member of.
4. All Sunflower practitioners must therefore, by default, abide by the Code of Practice set out by the governing body of their profession.
5. It is compulsory for each Sunflower practitioner to have Professional Indemnity Insurance and for the insurance certificate to be displayed in their clinic.

Our beliefs
1.  All children have needs and rights:

• The need for physical care and attention
• The need for intellectual stimulation
• The need for emotional support and security
• The need for social contact and relationship
• The right to have their needs met and protected
• The right to be protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation

2.Child abuse of any kind is never acceptable.

Our Child Protection Policy
On the basis of our beliefs, detailed previously, the Child Protection Policy of the Sunflower Trust is as follows:

1. When children are present, all Sunflower employees, Sunflower practitioners and Sunflower Trustees will work in a way that is fully mindful of the protection of children’s needs and rights.
2. Before a Sunflower practitioner examines, treats or cares for a child, they must obtain the parent's explicit consent.  Parents are entitled to choose whether or not to accept the advice or treatment relating to their child but this may affect the outcome of the Sunflower Programme.
3. Young people from the age of 16 are presumed to have the competence to give consent for themselves and legally parents cannot override that consent.
4. All Sunflower practitioners will ensure that child patients receive consultations only if accompanied by a parent/guardian; and that the parent/guardian is present at all times throughout the consultation.
   Throughout the duration of the Sunflower Programme, a practitioner must explain to the child’s parent(s) the nature of any therapy they propose, its purpose and its likely effect.  Acknowledgement that a parent understands and agrees to the therapy must be sought.
5. A parent has the right to change their mind and withdraw their consent for their child to be seen by a Sunflower practitioner.  Consent must always be voluntary and parents must not be put under any duress regarding the therapy of the child.
6. Good communication to both parents and child is especially important when a practitioner has to examine or treat an intimate area.  As some parents and children may consider other areas of their body as ‘sensitive’ it is the practitioners duty to determine if further consent is necessary.
7. A Sunflower practitioner must be sensitive to and allow the child and/or parents privacy whenever the occasion arises.
8. Any allegation of child abuse by any Sunflower employee, Sunflower practitioner and/or Sunflower Trustee will be dealt with promptly by the Sunflower Trust in accordance with current UK statutory child protection directives.
9. Any Sunflower employee, Sunflower practitioner or Sunflower Trustee who suspects the risk of abuse from a Sunflower colleague will bring the issue to the attention of the Sunflower Trust’s designated Child Protection Officer WITHOUT DELAY.
10. Any allegations of child abuse will be recorded in writing by the Sunflower Trust’s designated Child Protection Officer, who will ensure that all records are kept secure and confidential.

The Sunflower Trust believes in the natural idea of one world - one people - one whole.  The health of human beings is achieved through working in delicate harmony with this ‘whole’. 

Our endeavour is to treat the whole person across chemical, physical and mental aspects.  We notice that the more balanced and integrated people become, the more positive open, loving and creative they become.  This enhances their performance and achievement in life and as they fulfil their potential, they in turn are more able to play their part in supporting the whole and helping to make the world a healthier and more caring place.

We are also respectful of the rights and freedom of each individual.  Balancing mind and body stimulates personal dignity and self-esteem which power social awareness and the demand for human equality. 

We welcome people from all walks of life, religions and races.