Privacy Policy
Your privacy is very important to me. This privacy policy has been created to answer any questions you might have about how I deal with your data. But if you have any further questions please email me at bex@nurturedbirthandbeyond.co.uk
My practices and procedures are intended to ensure that the information you submit remains private and is only used for the purposes set out in this policy. Please be assured that we will not sell or share any information about you with any third parties unless we are required to do so by law. All information is processed and stored through GDPR-compliant methods or third parties.
Some information is shared via third-party organisations. I am committed to ensuring all third-party partners are GDPR compliant and have appropriate Privacy Policies.
All third party organisations that I share data with and links to their privacy policies are below:
I use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. I only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
The information I take should you decide to take a course with me is used for the following reasons:
- Insurance requirements
- Tailoring content to your situation
- Communicating with you out of sessions
Your information will be held confidentially and not shared with anyone else. Once the information is no longer needed it will be shredded. Records held on a computer system will be password protected.
I am required to allow you to view your information at any time- you may contact me to do so at bex@nurturedbirthandbeyond.co.uk
It is your responsibility to ensure that the data I hold on you is up to date so please contact me at any time to update your records.
What if I do not agree with the privacy policy?
If you do not agree with the details set out in this policy, please do not submit your data to me.
If you have previously agreed to me using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, or for use of products or services, and you would like me to remove your data please email me at bex@nurturedbirthandbeyond.co.uk and I will remove/delete your data within 30 days.
Safeguarding Policy
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd.is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all participants, including pregnant people, parents, babies, and children who attend our services.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that babies, children, and vulnerable adults are protected from harm, abuse, or neglect.
This policy applies to all services provided by Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd., including:
• Birth preparation courses(group and 1:1, in-person and online)
• Postnatal classes including tummy time and baby yoga
• Community activities including coastal walks and conversation circles
• Any other services or activities we may offer
2. DEFINITIONS
Safeguarding means protecting people's health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
A child is anyone under the age of 18.
A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to illness, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or other circumstances.
3. TYPES OF ABUSE
We recognise that abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:
Physical abuse: Causing physical harm or injury
Emotional abuse: Causing emotional or psychological harm
Sexual abuse: Involvement in sexual activities
Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs
Domestic abuse: Abuse within intimate or family relationships
Financial abuse: Unauthorised use of someone's money or property
Online abuse: Harm caused through digital platforms
4. RECOGNISING SIGNS OF ABUSE OR CONCERN
We will remain vigilant to potential signs that a participant or their baby/child may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or other safeguarding concerns. This may include but is not limited to:
In babies and children:
• Unexplained injuries or marks
• Significant changes in behaviour or temperament
• Appearing withdrawn, anxious, or fearful
• Poor hygiene or signs of neglect
• Developmental delays without explanation
• Parent/carer showing concerning behaviours toward the child
In adults:
• Unexplained injuries
• Appearing withdrawn, anxious ,or fearful
• Significant changes in behaviour or mood
• Disclosures of abuse or harm
• Signs of controlling relationships
• Mental health concerns that may pose risk
5. SAFER WORKING PRACTICES
Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd. operates in a way that prioritises safety:
Environment and Sessions:
• All in-person sessions take within the Nurtured Studio or public venues.
• Parents/carers remain with their babies and children at all times during postnatal classes
• We maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Physical contact with babies is minimal and only occurs with explicit parental permission (e.g., gentle positioning guidance during baby yoga)
• We do not provide one-to-one care for children
• Photography and filming of children only takes place with explicit written consent from parents/carers
Communication:
• All communication with participants is professional and appropriate
• We maintain confidentiality except where safeguarding concerns require disclosure
• We do not communicate with children directly; all contact is with parents/carers
Record Keeping:
• We maintain appropriate records of participants
• Any safeguarding concerns are documented with dates, times, and factual observations
• Records are stored securely and in accordance with data protection legislation
6. RESPONDING TO CONCERNS
If Bex Gardiner has concerns about the safety or welfare of a baby, child, or vulnerable adult, she will:
Step 1: Recognise
Pay attention to signs, disclosures, or observations that raise concern
Step 2: Respond
• Remain calm and supportive
• Listen without judgement
• Not promise confidentiality if safeguarding concerns are present
• Not investigate or ask leading questions
• Make a factual written record as soon as possible including date, time, what was observed or said, and any action taken
Step 3: Report
Make a referral to the appropriate authority based on the nature and severity of concern:
For immediate danger:
• Call 999
For child protectionconcerns:
• Contact North Tyneside Children's Services: 0345 2000 109
• Out of hours: 0191 456 2093
For adult safeguarding concerns:
• Contact North Tyneside Adult Social Care: 0191 643 2777
For domestic abuse:
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7)
• Harbour Support (North Tyneside): 0191 265 3900
For general advice:
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111
Step 4: Record
Document all actions taken, including who was contacted, when, and what advice was given
7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING
We respect participant confidentiality, however safeguarding concerns will always take priority.
Information may be shared without consent where:
• There is risk of significant harm to a child or vulnerable adult
• There is a legal obligation to share information
• It is in the public interest to share information
Information will only be shared with appropriate safeguarding agencies and only to the extent necessary to protect those at risk.
Participants will be informed that information is being shared unless doing so would place them or others at greater risk.
8. SAFER RECRUITMENT
Currently, Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd. is a sole trader business operated by Bex Gardiner.
Should any staff, volunteers, or contractors be engaged in the future who have contact with children or vulnerable adults, appropriate safer recruitment procedures will be implemented, including:
• DBS checks at appropriate levels
• References
• Clear role descriptions
• Safeguarding training
9. TRAINING AND AWARENESS
Bex Gardiner commits to:
• Maintaining awareness of current safeguarding best practice
• Undertaking safeguarding training at least every three years
• Staying informed about local safeguarding procedures
• Reviewing and updating this policy annually
10. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST NURTURED BIRTH & BEYOND
We take any allegations or concerns about our practice extremely seriously.
If a participant has concerns about the safety of our services or the conduct of Bex Gardiner, they should:
• Report concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authority (contacts listed in section 6)
• Contact our professional insurance provider if relevant
• Make a complaint in writing to bex@nurturedbirthandbeyond.co.uk
We will cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigation.
11. CREATING A SAFE CULTURE
Beyond responding to concerns, we aim to create a culture of safety by:
• Treating all participants with respect and dignity
• Promoting informed choice autonomy
• Creating an inclusive, non-judgmental environment
• Encouraging open communication
• Respecting boundaries
• Modelling positive, respectful interactions
12. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
• There are changes to legislation or guidance
• Following any safeguarding incident
• Following organisational changes
• At the request of insurance providers or regulatory bodies
________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACTINFORMATION
Bex Gardiner
Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd.
Email:bex@nurturedbirthandbeyond.co.uk
Phone: 07885 459283
________________________________________________________________________________
KEYSAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
Emergency:999
North Tyneside Children's Services: 0345 2000 109
Out of hours: 0191 456 2093
North Tyneside Adult Social Care: 0191 643 2777
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline:0800 1111
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Harbour Support (North Tyneside domestic abuse): 0191 265 3900
________________________________________________________________________________
I confirm that I have read, understood, and will adhere to this Safeguarding Policy.
Bex Gardiner
Date: 20/01/26
Position: Owner/Director, Nurtured Birth & Beyond Ltd.