Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is central to our work. Friends of Frampton Farm CIC provides non-school alternative provision, vocational education and supervised farm-based learning in Kent.
We aim to create a welcoming, respectful environment where learners feel listened to, supported and able to raise concerns. We work with families, commissioning schools, local authorities and safeguarding agencies as appropriate.
Each learning centre has its own safeguarding arrangements and policies. The Frampton Farm information below applies to Friends of Frampton Farm CIC in Kent. Poppies Farm in Berkshire has a separate Designated Safeguarding Lead, listed below.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Leads safeguarding concerns, referrals and liaison with appropriate agencies.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Supports safeguarding arrangements and acts when the DSL is unavailable.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Poppies Farm
For safeguarding concerns relating to learners at Poppies Farm, contact the Poppies Farm team and ask to speak to Joanna Robertson. Poppies Farm maintains its own safeguarding policy and reporting procedures.
If you are worried about a learner at Frampton Farm, please speak to Tracy Playforth or Karen Friend as soon as possible. For concerns about a learner at Poppies Farm, ask for Joanna Robertson. You can contact Frampton Farm through our Contact page and ask for the safeguarding lead, or contact Poppies Farm using the address above. Please do not include sensitive details in an ordinary website enquiry form.
Staff record and report concerns promptly. We listen carefully, take concerns seriously and share information with appropriate agencies when necessary to protect a child. We do not promise secrecy or carry out our own investigations into suspected abuse.
Immediate danger: Call 999. If a child may be at risk of harm, a referral to children's social care should not be delayed because a safeguarding lead is unavailable.
Our safeguarding arrangements take account of the distinctive risks of working on a farm, including animals, tools, outdoor terrain, weather, hygiene and visitor access. Activities are supervised and risk assessed, with individual needs and appropriate adjustments considered.
We recognise that learners may have different communication, sensory, emotional and support needs. Our team aims to respond sensitively, promote positive relationships and help learners feel safe and included, while maintaining clear safeguarding and safety boundaries.
Safeguarding also applies to online activities, Moodle, remote learning, professional communications and digital evidence. Staff are expected to use appropriate channels and respond to online safety concerns.
For commissioned alternative provision, safeguarding contacts, attendance arrangements, reporting responsibilities and individual risks are agreed with the commissioning organisation. Concerns and relevant absences are communicated promptly under the agreed arrangements.
Adult safeguarding concerns are addressed through separate adult safeguarding procedures. Staff must still respond promptly to concerns about an adult's safety or wellbeing.
Our revised safeguarding and child protection policy is currently undergoing final approval and contact-route verification. We will publish the approved document once this process is complete.
For general information about learner support, visit SEND & Learner Support. You can also contact our education team for more information.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
Access course materials, complete theory activities and keep up with your learning using Moodle.
Download the Moodle app for your phone or tablet.
