Inclusion policy.

1. Purpose

Weatherstones Wood CIC is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming and accessible Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provision for all children and young people aged 5–16 years in Cheshire West and Chester.

This policy ensures our provision meets the expectations of the Department for Education HAF Programme guidance and the Equality Act 2010 by removing barriers to participation and enabling all children — particularly those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, or have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) — to attend safely and successfully.

2. Our Values

We believe every child has the right to: - Feel safe, valued and respected - Access enriching activities regardless of ability or background - Receive nutritious food in a dignified and inclusive way - Be supported to achieve independence and confidence - Participate in outdoor experiences regardless of additional needs.

We actively promote: - Equality of opportunity - Positive behaviour support - Trauma‑informed practice - Child voice and choice - Partnership with families3. Legal & Programme Framework.

This policy operates in line with: - Equality Act 2010 - Children Act 1989 & 2004 - SEND Code of Practice (2015) - Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) - HAF Programme Guidance (Department for Education) - Cheshire West and Chester Council HAF standards - GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018.

4. Who We Support

Weatherstones Wood CIC welcomes children and young people including: - Those eligible for benefits‑related Free School Meals (FSM) - Children with SEND (diagnosed or undiagnosed) - Neurodivergent children (e.g. autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences) - Children with social, emotional and mental health needs - Young carers - Looked After Children and previously looked after children - Children from minority ethnic backgrounds - Children with dietary, cultural or religious needs.

No child will be excluded on the grounds of disability or additional need unless risk cannot be reasonably managed, in which case we will work with families and the local authority to find a suitable provision.

5. Removing Barriers to Access

We will: - Provide clear, jargon‑free booking information - Offer phone support for families who need help registering - Accept referrals from schools, social workers and family support teams - Provide pre‑visit meetings where needed - Offer visual guides and social stories - Allow gradual transitions and shorter sessions when appropriate.

6. SEND & Individual Support

Individual Planning

Where additional needs are identified we will: - Complete an Individual Support Plan (ISP) - Liaise with parents/carers and school SENCO where consent is given - Identify triggers, calming strategies and communication needs - Record medical information and risk assessments.

Staffing

We will: - Provide enhanced staffing ratios where required and feasible - Train staff in SEND awareness and inclusive practice - Use consistent key adults for children requiring reassurance.

Reasonable Adjustments Examples include: - Quiet spaces / sensory regulation areas - Flexible participation in activities - Adapted outdoor activities - Alternative communication methods (visuals, Makaton, objects of reference) - Movement breaks and regulation support.

7. Behaviour & Emotional Regulation

We use a positive behaviour approach. We do not use punishment or exclusion as behaviour management strategies except where safety requires removal from a situation.

We will: - Identify the need behind behaviour - Support co‑regulation before self‑regulation - Offer sensory and emotional regulation tools - Use restorative conversations - Work with parents/carers on consistent strategies.

Suspension from sessions will only occur if safety risks cannot be safely managed and will always involve consultation with parents and the HAF team.

8. Food Inclusion

We provide a healthy meal that is: - Nutritious and compliant with School Food Standards (HAF guidance) - Inclusive of allergies and intolerances - Respectful of cultural and religious dietary needs - Offered in a non‑stigmatising manner.

We will: - Collect dietary and allergy information during booking - Maintain allergy risk assessments - Avoid cross contamination - Provide alternatives where required.

No child will be made to feel singled out for receiving food support.

9. Accessibility & Environment

As a woodland‑based setting we will support access by: - Assessing terrain risks individually - Offering alternative routes where possible - Providing seating/rest areas - Adjusting activities for physical ability - Allowing support workers where needed (by agreement).

We are transparent with families about environmental challenges so informed decisions can be made.

10. Safeguarding & Welfare

All staff are trained in safeguarding and understand additional vulnerabilities for children accessing HAF provision.

We will: - Record and report concerns following safeguarding procedures - Work with early help services where appropriate - Respect dignity and confidentiality - Store information securely under GDPR

11. Working with Families & Professionals

We believe inclusion works best in partnership.

We will: - Communicate openly with parents/carers - Invite feedback before, during and after attendance - Liaise with schools and professionals (with consent) - Signpost families to additional support services.

12. Complaints & Concerns

Parents/carers can raise concerns by:

1. Speaking to the session lead

2. Emailing:

3. Requesting escalation to the CIC Directors

4. Contacting Cheshire West and Chester HAF team if unresolved.

We aim to resolve issues within 5 working days.

13. Staff Training

All staff and volunteers will receive training in: - Safeguarding - SEND awareness - Positive behaviour support - Food hygiene & allergies - Trauma‑informed practice - Outdoor safety. Additional training will be sought depending on the needs of attending children.

14. Monitoring & Review

We monitor inclusion by: - Attendance of SEND and vulnerable groups - Parent feedback - Incident reviews - Staff reflections.

This policy is reviewed annually or following guidance updates from the Department for Education or Cheshire West and Chester Council.