SAFEGUARDING
Keeping children, families and adults safe
Safeguarding is a core part of how Miniflora works. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and responding appropriately when we become concerned that someone may be at risk of harm.
Miniflora is primarily a parent and carer-facing service, but safeguarding responsibilities still apply whenever information about a child, young person or adult at risk is shared with us.
Our safeguarding approach
Listen
We take safeguarding concerns seriously and listen without judgement.
Record
Concerns are recorded factually and only the information needed for safeguarding purposes is kept.
Respond
Where there is a concern about someone's safety or welfare, Miniflora follows its safeguarding procedures and considers the most appropriate next step.
Escalate where necessary
Where a child or adult may be at risk of significant harm, Miniflora may need to share relevant information with safeguarding or statutory services.
Stay within our role
Miniflora does not investigate abuse or make statutory safeguarding decisions. Where necessary, concerns are passed to the appropriate professional or authority.
Confidentiality has limits
Information shared with Miniflora is treated confidentially. However, there are situations where confidentiality may need to be broken in order to protect someone from harm or meet a legal safeguarding responsibility.
This may include situations where:
- a child or young person may be experiencing abuse or neglect
- an adult at risk may be experiencing abuse or exploitation
- someone may be at immediate risk of serious harm
- Miniflora is required to share information by law
Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, we will explain to the parent or carer what information needs to be shared and why.
There may be exceptional circumstances where information has to be shared without consent in order to protect a child, young person or adult at risk.
What happens if we become worried about someone?
1. We listen and clarify
We listen carefully to what has been shared without conducting our own investigation.
2. We make a factual record
Relevant details are recorded securely in line with Miniflora’s safeguarding and data-handling procedures.
3. We consider the level of risk
The concern is reviewed using Miniflora’s safeguarding procedures.
4. We take appropriate action
This may include seeking safeguarding advice, signposting, making a safeguarding referral or contacting emergency/statutory services where necessary.
Miniflora will only share information that is relevant and necessary for the safeguarding concern.
If someone is in immediate danger
Miniflora is not an emergency or crisis service.
If a child, young person or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you have a safeguarding concern that is not an immediate emergency, contact the relevant local authority children’s or adults’ safeguarding service in the area where the person lives.
Do not wait for a response from Miniflora if someone may be at immediate risk of harm.
Safeguarding at Miniflora
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Habon Egeh, Founder of Miniflora
Safeguarding contact: info@miniflora.co.uk
Safeguarding concerns are handled in line with Miniflora’s safeguarding procedures, confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
Our role with families
Miniflora supports parents and carers with practical SEND navigation and organisation. We are not a substitute for children’s social care, adult social care, medical professionals, therapists, safeguarding teams or emergency services.
Where a family needs support outside Miniflora’s role, we will help identify an appropriate service or professional where possible.
Safe support means clear boundaries
Miniflora will:
- work within the limits of the Family Navigation role
- avoid giving clinical, legal or statutory safeguarding advice outside our competence
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- keep appropriate safeguarding records
- seek advice or escalate where necessary
- use professional and referral pathways where specialist support is required
Sharing information safely
Miniflora follows a need-to-know approach to safeguarding information. Personal information is not shared unnecessarily.
Where information needs to be shared to protect someone from harm, we aim to share only what is relevant, proportionate and necessary.
Concerned about our safeguarding practice?
If you are concerned about the way Miniflora has handled a safeguarding matter, please contact us so the concern can be reviewed.
Email: info@miniflora.co.uk
You can also use Miniflora’s Complaints process if your concern relates to the way the service has been delivered.
Safety comes first
Miniflora aims to provide practical, compassionate support while being clear about when another professional or statutory service needs to become involved.