The Willows delivers sessions on a 1:1 basis, which means that staff will regularly work alone with a young person. This policy sets out the procedures in place to protect both staff and young people during lone working situations, and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are maintained at all times.

For the purposes of this policy, lone working refers to any situation in which a member of staff is working with a young person without another adult present on site. This includes all standard 1:1 sessions at The Willows.

A lone working risk assessment is completed and reviewed annually. It considers:

• The nature of the activities being carried out.
• The individual needs and known behaviours of the young person.
• The physical environment, including the stable yard, grounds, and outbuildings.
• Communication arrangements and emergency procedures.

Where a young person presents behaviours that may pose a risk to themselves or the practitioner, an individual risk assessment will be completed before sessions begin.

Prior to every session, the lead practitioner will:

• Ensure a responsible person is aware that a session is taking place, including the start time, expected end time, and location.
• Have a fully charged mobile phone accessible at all times during the session.
• Confirm that the young person's emergency contact details are up to date.
• Carry out a brief visual check of the session environment for any hazards.

During all lone working sessions, the following safeguards apply:

• Parents or carers are welcome and encouraged to remain on site throughout the session.
• The practitioner will maintain a mobile phone on their person at all times.
• Sessions take place within the defined areas of The Willows grounds — the stable, stable yard, garden, orchard, and designated outdoor areas.
• The practitioner will not transport a young person in a personal vehicle unless a separate risk assessment and written consent are in place.
• Physical contact with young people is limited to what is safe, appropriate, and necessary (e.g. first aid). All physical contact is recorded.

The lead practitioner will operate a check-in procedure for all sessions:

• Notify a named contact (a trusted person outside the provision) of the session start time.
• Contact the named person at the end of each session to confirm it has concluded safely.
• If no contact is received within 30 minutes of the expected session end time, the named contact will attempt to reach the practitioner and, if unsuccessful, will contact the police.

In the event of an emergency during a lone working session:

• Call 999 immediately if there is a risk to life.
• Contact the young person's parent or carer.
• Record the incident as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Notify the DSL (Nicola Bevan) on the same day.

All staff are expected to maintain clear professional boundaries at all times. This includes:

• Not sharing personal contact details with young people or their families.
• Not communicating with young people via personal social media or messaging apps.
• Reporting any situation where a boundary has been — or may have been — crossed to the DSL immediately.

The Willows recognises that lone working can be isolating and that working with young people with complex needs can be emotionally demanding. Regular supervision and reflective practice are built into the working pattern. Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns about their own wellbeing or safety without fear of judgement.

This policy is reviewed annually or following any lone working incident. Next review: July 2027.