Policies

Last updated: 15th September 2026

1. Purpose of This Policy
   The purpose of this Allergy & Ingredient Safety Policy is to ensure that all children attending Gentle
   Explorers sessions can participate safely in nature-led and messy play activities. This policy outlines
   how ingredients are selected, checked, communicated, and managed to minimise allergy risks and
   irritations.
   
2. Types of Materials Used
   • Natural Resources
     Gentle Explorers uses a range of natural, non-food items which may include, but are not restricted
     or limited to:
     • pine cones
     • leaves
     • mud
     • sticks
     • shells
   • All natural items are:
     • Collected from safe, clean environments
     • Checked for sharp edges, mould, insects, or debris
     • Cleaned or dried appropriately before use
   • No nuts, seeds, or known high-risk allergens are intentionally collected or used.
     
   • Traditional Messy Play Materials
     Materials are purchased from reputable suppliers and used according to manufacturer safety
     guidance. Sessions may include the use of, but are not restricted or limited to:
     • bath soap foam
     • sand
     • water
     • non-toxic child safe paint
     • chalk
     • homemade playdough
       
   • Taste-Safe Ingredients
     We try to reduce food waste wherever possible and do not regularly use taste safe materials. However, when used ingredients may include, but are not restricted or limited to:
     • vegetable peelings
     • coco powder
     • foraged berries
     • hand picked herbs
       
   • Note: No dairy, nut, or peanut products are used in any Gentle Explorers activity.
     
3. Allergy Information Collection
   Parents and carers must provide full allergy information for their child at the time of booking
   through BookWhen. Parents may also contact the class leader directly via email with questions or additional information. Information required includes:
   • Diagnosed allergies
   • Suspected allergies
   • Sensitivities or skin conditions
   • Any ingredient-specific concerns
     
4. Ingredient Transparency
   Parents are encouraged to review ingredients carefully and contact the class leader with any
   concerns. A full list of materials and ingredients planned for each session will be:
   • Displayed at the session
   • Available on request before booking
   • Shared via email if a parent requests clarification
     
5. Risk Management & Safety Measures
   If a child has a severe allergy, parents must discuss this with the class leader in advance so that
   reasonable adjustments can be made. To minimise allergy risks, Gentle Explorers will:
   • Avoid all known high-risk allergens such as nuts and dairy
   • Check natural materials before use
   • Use taste-safe ingredients only where appropriate
   • Ensure hand-washing before and after messy play
   • Clean and sanitise equipment between sessions
   • Adapt or remove materials if a child’s allergy requires it
     
6. Parent & Carer Responsibilities
   Parents and carers agree to:
   • Provide accurate, up-to-date allergy information at booking
   • Supervise their child closely during sessions (where required by age)
   • Inform the class leader immediately of any changes to allergy status
   • Bring any necessary medication (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPens)
     
7. Emergency Procedure
   In the event of an allergic reaction:
   • The class leader will follow first-aid training
   • Emergency services will be contacted if required
   • Parents/carers will be informed immediately
   • An incident form will be completed
     
8. Policy Review
   This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:
   • New materials are introduced
   • Allergy guidance changes
   • A safety incident occurs

Business Name: Gentle Explorers
Target Group: Children aged 0–6 years, Parents/Carers, Staff
Date of Assessment: 14 June 2026
Purpose: Formal submission to Insurance Provider

Venues Covered:
The Hilt, Hiltingbury Recreation Ground, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire
Burridge Village Hall, Botley Road, Burridge, Hampshire
Highbury Community Centre, Hawthorn Crescent, Portsmouth, Hampshire

1. Identify Fire Hazards
   • Sources of Ignition
     • Venue Infrastructure: Fixed wall heaters, overhead heaters, and standard electrical wall sockets.
     • Brought Equipment: Sensory lighting, bubble machines, CD players, or electric water pumps used for messy play.
     • Kitchen Facilities: Kettles or microwaves used by staff to warm up sensory play mixtures (e.g., warm slime, jelly).
   • Sources of Fuel
     • Nature-Led Materials: Highly combustible dry items including straw, hay, dried autumn leaves, twigs, and cardboard trays.
     • Finely Divided Powders: Cornflour, cocoa powder, and flour used in messy play bases (can
       present a flash fire risk if suspended in air near ignition).
     • Class Infrastructure: Plastic floor tarpaulins, foam mats, paper towels, and wet wipes.
     • Customer Belongings: Prams, pushchairs, large nappy bags, and winter coats.
   • Oxygen Sources
     • Standard ambient airflow from open doors and windows used for ventilation.
       
2. Identify People at Risk
   • Infants and Toddlers (0–5 years): High risk. Completely dependent on adult guidance,
     physically slower, and unable to perceive or react to fire dangers.
   • Parents and Carers: May become distracted by messy play, disoriented in an emergency, or
     slow to move if managing multiple young children.
   • Session Leaders (Staff): Responsible for executing the evacuation plan, controlling crowd
     panic, and accounting for attendees.
   • Other Building Occupants: General public or venue staff utilizing adjacent rooms at The Hilt
     or Burridge Village Hall.
3. Evaluate, Remove, and Reduce Risks

4. Emergency Evacuation Procedures
   • Pre-Class Routine
     • Verify that all fire exits at the specific venue are unlocked, unbolted, and completely unobstructed.
     • Locate the venue’s fire extinguishers and break-glass call points.
     • Ensure the digital attendance register for Gentle Explorers is downloaded and accessible offline on the leader’s mobile device.
   • In the Event of a Fire
     • Alert: Sound the venue’s fire alarm immediately via the nearest break-glass call point and shout “FIRE”.
     • Evacuate: Instruct parents to immediately scoop up their children. Strictly forbid anyone from stopping to collect personal belongings, coats, prams, or cleaning up messy play materials.
     • Marshal: The session leader will guide the group out through the nearest available fire exit to the external assembly point.
     • Roll Call: Conduct a rapid roll call using the session register to ensure every child, parent, and staff member is safely outside.
     • Emergency Services: Call 999 immediately. Do not re-enter the hall for any reason until cleared by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
       
5. Venue-Specific Fire Emergency Plans
   • For Sessions at The Hilt (Chandler’s Ford)
     • Exit Routes: Utilize the main fire exit doors leading directly out to the Hiltingbury Recreation
       Ground or the designated fire doors visible from the hired hall room.
     • Assembly Point: Gather safely on the grass field at the designated fire assembly point, well
       clear of the main building structure and arriving emergency vehicles.
   • For Sessions at Burridge Village Hall (Burridge)
     • Exit Routes: Exit via the primary fire doors leading to the external paved areas or the main
       entrance/car park doors, depending on which room is hired.
     • Assembly Point: Gather at the far side of the main car park away from the building, ensuring
       children are kept well back from the Botley Road traffic.
       
6. Review and Recording
   • Review Policy: This assessment is updated annually, or immediately if new, highly
     combustible sensory materials are added to the curriculum.
   • Staff Sign-Off: All Gentle Explorers employees and class assistants must read, understand,
     and sign this document before running an independent session.

Last updated: 15th September 2026

1. Statement of Intent
   As the sole operator and instructor, I am fully committed to providing a safe, healthy, and engaging
   environment for all children, parents, and carers attending my nature-led messy play classes. My
   goal is to minimise risks to an acceptable level while allowing children to safely explore, learn, and
   play.
   
2. Responsibilities
   As the business owner, I am solely responsible for:
   • Conducting, recording, and updating risk assessments for all venues and activities.
   • Ensuring only non-toxic, child-safe, and allergy-aware materials are used.
   • Maintaining equipment and ensuring all materials are disposed of safely.
   • Providing clear instructions and emergency procedures to parents.
     
3. Practical Arrangements
   To ensure safety across all venues, the following steps will be implemented:
   • Messy Play & COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
     • Materials Check: All paints, foams, water beads, and natural resources will be non-toxic
       and compliant with UK toy safety standards.
     • Allergy Awareness: I will remind parents upon booking to disclose any known food or
       skin allergies their child has.
     • Spillages: Spills will be cleaned up immediately to prevent slips, and floor mats used to provide a soft,
       non-slip surface in messy areas.
   • Venue Safety & Setup
     • Pre-class Checks: Before each session, I will visually inspect the venue and clear any trip hazards
       (e.g., loose cables, furniture, trailing bags).
     • Fire Safety: All fire exits and assembly points will be located before every class. I will ensure exits are
       unlocked and unobstructed.
     • Hygiene: I will ensure hand-washing facilities are available or provide reusable baby wipes
       for parents and children at each session.
   • Supervision & First Aid
     • Parental Responsibility: Parents/carers are responsible for the direct supervision of their
       own children at all times. This is clearly stated in your booking terms and at the start
       of every class.
     • First Aid: A fully stocked, child-appropriate First Aid kit is available on-site.
     • Accidents: All accidents or incidents will be recorded in an accident book and the parent/carer will be informed
       immediately.
   • Lone Working
     • As a lone worker, I keep a charged mobile phone on me at all times and ensure the venue has
       a clear signal.
     • Ensure emergency contact details for myself and venue management are kept on hand

Last updated: 15th September 2026

1. Statement of Intent
   To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all families, it is vital to prevent the spread of
   infectious illnesses within our classes. This policy outlines when a child or parent must stay home
   and the flexible options available if you are unable to attend.
   
2. Illness Exclusion Rules
   Children and parents/carers must not attend classes if they are unwell or displaying symptoms of a
   contagious infection. Please follow these standard exclusion periods:
   • Sickness and Diarrhoea: Must be clear of all symptoms for at least 48 hours before
     attending.
   • High Temperature / Fever: Must not attend until the fever has subsided and they feel well.
   • Contagious Rashes: Children with rashes like Chickenpox or Hand, Foot, and Mouth must
     stay home until all blisters have completely scabbed over.
   • Infectious Eye/Skin Conditions: Conditions like Conjunctivitis or Impetigo require clearance
     from a doctor or a standard period on antibiotics before returning.
     
3. Cancellations, Refunds, and Gifting
   Because our classes require upfront material costs and venue booking fees, we operate under a strict no-refund policy for illness. However, we offer flexible alternatives so your spot does not go to waste:
   • No Refunds or Transfers: Classes cannot be cancelled, refunded, or rolled over to a future term due to personal illness.
   • Option A: Gift to a Friend: You are welcome to pass your booked session spot to a friend or family member. Simply send us a message before the class with the new parent’s name and any child allergy information.
   • Option B: Social Media Gifting: If you cannot find anyone to take your spot, notify us as far in advance as possible. I will gladly advertise and gift your spot to another family via our business social media platforms
   • Class Cancellation by Us: If a class is cancelled due to venue issues, severe weather, or instructor illness, we will offer a rescheduled date or a full refund for that session.

Welcome to Gentle Explorers. Our indoor, nature-led messy play sessions are designed to encourage sensory exploration and development in children aged 0–6 years.

By booking and attending our sessions, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

1. Parental/Guardian Supervision
   • Active Supervision: Children must be supervised by their accompanying adult at all times during the session. You retain 100% responsibility for your child’s safety, behaviour, and well-being.
   • No Drop-Offs: At no point may a child be left unattended or in the sole care of the class leader or helpers.
     
2. Nature and Messy Play Materials
   • Ingestion Risk: Our classes use natural, organic materials (such as sterilized soil, wood, stones, water) and food-grade bases (such as flour, oats, jelly). While we select non-toxic
     materials, they are intended for sensory play and not for consumption.
   • Choking and Slipping Hazards: Some stations may contain small natural objects (like pebbles or acorns) or wet surfaces (like mud or water). Adults must closely monitor children who still explore items with their mouths and take care when walking on wet surfaces.
     
3. Allergies and Skin Sensitivities
   • Prior Notification: You must inform the class leader of any known allergies or skin sensitivities your child has before the session begins.
   • Ingredient Responsibility: While we display ingredient lists at our stations, it is the adult’s responsibility to check that the play bases are safe for their specific child. Gentle Explorers cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment.
     
4. Clothing and Property
   • Staining: We use washable materials and non-toxic dyes, but some natural elements (like mud or berries) may stain clothes.
   • Please wear old clothing. Gentle Explorers accepts no liability for stained or damaged clothing or personal property.

I have read, understood, and accept the safety guidelines outlined above.

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________
Child’s Name(s) & Age(s): ____________________________
Known Allergies: _____________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________

Child’s Information
Child’s Full Name: _____________________________________
Date of Birth: _________________________________________

Parent / Guardian Information
Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________

Consent Options
Please tick YES or NO for each option below to indicate your preferences:

• Social Media & Website
  I agree to Gentle Explorers taking and using photos/videos of me and my child during class for social media?
  [ ] YES [ ] NO

Terms of Agreement

• How we use social media: photos and videos are used to celebrate our community on official Instagram and Facebook accounts, along with our official website.
• No Names: We never publish children’s full names alongside photos.
• Withdrawal: Consent is voluntary. You can withdraw your consent at any time by emailing (gentleexplorersplay@gmail.com). Images will be removed within 48 hours of notification.
• No Compensation: Photos are taken voluntarily without financial compensation.
• Ownership: Gentle Explorers retains the rights to all media taken during class.
  
  

Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ____ / ____ / ________

Setting: Community Centre Halls
Age Range: Birth – 6 years
Activity Type: Nature inspired sensory and messy play sessions with free-flow exploration
Capacity: 15 babies / children plus accompanying adults
Session Leader: Qualified primary school teacher with relevant safeguarding training, paediatric first aid and food hygiene.
Supervision: Parents/carers remain responsible for supervising their children at all times

• Additional Control Measures
  • Public liability insurance in place
  • First aid kit accessible at all sessions
  • Emergency contact details held for attendees
  • Risk assessments reviewed regularly and after any incident
  • Maximum attendance numbers set according to hall capacity
  • Cleaning materials safely stored away from children
  • Consent obtained for photographs if applicable
  • COSHH information held for cleaning products and craft materials
  • A new risk assessment will be made for additional events held such as birthday parties.
• Parent/Carer Responsibilities
  • Parents/carers remain responsible for supervising their children throughout the session
  • Parents must disclose allergies, medical needs or additional support needs before attendance
  • Parents should ensure children wear suitable clothing for messy and physical play
• Staff Responsibilities
  • Ensure environment is safe before session begins
  • Monitor overall safety of activities and environment
  • Remove hazards immediately where identified
  • Follow safeguarding and emergency procedures at all times

Assessment Date: 10.5.26
Completed By: Amy Bishop
Signature: A. Bishop

Company Name: Gentle Explorers
Target Group: Children aged 0–6 years, Parents/Carers, Staff
Applicable Legislation: Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Policy Owner: Amy Bishop
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Amy Bishop
Last Updated: 14 June 2026

1. Policy Statement
   Gentle Explorers believes that a child should never experience abuse or harm of any kind. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all infants and children aged 0–6 years attending our nature-led messy play classes. The purpose of this policy and procedures document is to protect children from harm, provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding, and satisfy our commercial insurance requirements.
   
2. Core Safeguarding Principles
   • The Child’s Welfare is Paramount: The welfare of the child is the primary consideration in all
     circumstances, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989.
   • Joint Responsibility: All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race,
     religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from all types
     of harm or abuse.
   • Partnership Working: We work in partnership with parents, carers, venue staff, and the
     Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) to promote children’s welfare.
     
3. Parental Responsibility and Supervision
   • Gentle Explorers operates strictly as a “Stay and Play” provider.
     • Children must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or registered adult carer at all
       times during the session.
     • Primary Care: The accompanying adult retains full, direct responsibility for the supervision,
       safety, and physical care of their child throughout the entire class.
     • Staff Role: Gentle Explorers staff facilitate sensory activities and manage overall group
       safety; they do not provide individual childcare or diaper-changing/toileting services.
       
4. Staff Recruitment and Safe Selection
   • To ensure a safe environment, Gentle Explorers follows strict safer recruitment procedures for all
     session leaders, assistants, and volunteers:
     • Background Checks: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children’s
       barred list checks is mandatory for all staff before they work independently.
     • References: A minimum of two professional references must be obtained and verified.
     • Training: All staff must complete basic Safeguarding Children (Level 1/2) training, which
       must be refreshed every two years.
       
5. Photographic and Mobile Phone Policy
   • Given the public nature of community venues like The Hilt and Burridge Village Hall, the following rules protect children’s digital privacy:
     • Personal Photos: Parents and carers are permitted to take photographs or videos of their own children only.
     • Privacy Guard: Explicit verbal consent must be gained from other parents if any other child incidentally appears in the background of a photograph.
     • Marketing Images: Gentle Explorers staff will only take photographs for marketing or social media if the parent has signed a specific, written Media Consent Form at enrolment.
     • Staff Devices: Staff must use dedicated business devices for marketing photos, or securely transfer and delete images from personal devices immediately following the session.
       
6. Recognizing and Responding to Concerns
   • While parents are present, staff remain trained to recognize indicators of abuse or neglect (Physical, Emotional, Sexual abuse, and Neglect).
   • Procedure for Reporting a Concern:
     • Record: Write down exactly what was seen or heard immediately after the session using clear, factual language. Do not include assumptions or personal opinions.
     • Report to DSL: Pass the information directly to the Gentle Explorers Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within 24 hours.
     • Referral: If the child is deemed to be at risk of significant harm, the DSL will make a formal referral to Hampshire Children’s Services (MASH) on 0300 555 1384 (or 999 in an immediate emergency).
7. Allegations Against Staff
   • If an allegation of abuse or inappropriate behavior is made against a Gentle Explorers staff member:
     • The individual will be immediately suspended from front-line session delivery pending an investigation.
     • The DSL (or co-director if the allegation involves the DSL) will contact the Hampshire Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day for guidance before conducting any internal investigation.

Declaration and Sign-Off
This policy is fully endorsed by the management of Gentle Explorers and is strictly implemented across all sessions held at The Hilt and Burridge Village Hall.

Signed: A Bishop
Position: Director / Owner, Gentle Explorers
Date: 14 June 2026

Staff Acknowledgement Log
By signing below, the employee/assistant confirms they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Safeguarding Policy.

Staff Member Name: ___________________________________________
Role: _____________________________________________________________
Signature: _______________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________

Last updated: 15th September 2026

1. Purpose of This Policy
   This Supervision Policy outlines how children are safely supported during Gentle Explorers messy play sessions. It ensures that all activities are delivered in a secure, well-managed environment and that supervision ratios meet the expectations of insurers, parents, and best practice for early childhood play.
   
2. Supervision Responsibilities
   • All children must be supervised by their accompanying adult at all times. Gentle Explorers sessions are not drop-off sessions.
   • Adults are responsible for the safety, wellbeing, and behaviour of the children in their care throughout the session.
   • The session leader will oversee the environment, provide guidance, and monitor overall safety, but cannot take responsibility for individual children.
     
3. Supervision Ratios
   • To maintain a safe and supportive environment:
     • 1 adult may supervise up to 2 children (1:2 ratio).
     • 1:1 supervision is strongly encouraged for babies or children who require closer support.
     • There is no charge for bringing an extra adult to sessions so this is encouraged.
     • Adults must remain within arm’s reach of the children they are supervising, especially around sensory materials, small natural objects, and water-based play.
   • These ratios apply to:
     • Babies (non-mobile and mobile)
     • Toddlers
     • Preschool-aged children
       
4. Environment and Safety Measures
   • Sessions take place indoors in secure halls where the public does not have access during class times.
   • All exits are monitored, and the play area is arranged to maintain clear visibility.
   • Tuff trays and activity stations are positioned close together to support safe movement and easy supervision.
   • Materials used may include:
     • Natural items (e.g., leaves, pinecones, stones, flowers)
     • Sensory bases (e.g., oats, rice, water, soil, sand)
     • Traditional messy play materials (e.g., paint, foam, jelly)
   • All materials are risk-assessed and age-appropriate, but adults must ensure children do not mouth or ingest items that may pose a choking risk.
     
5. Adult Expectations During Sessions
   • Adults supervising children must:
     • Stay within the play area at all times.
     • Actively supervise, engage, and support safe exploration.
     • Ensure children move safely between stations.
     • Follow any guidance given by the session leader regarding materials or equipment.
     • Immediately report any hazards or concerns.
       
6. Session Leader Responsibilities
   • The session leader will:
     • Complete risk assessments for all activities and materials.
     • Set up the environment to minimise hazards.
     • Monitor the overall safety of the group.
     • Provide clear instructions and support to adults.
     • Ensure cleaning and hygiene procedures are followed before, during, and after sessions.
       
7. Health, Hygiene, and Allergies
   • Adults must inform the session leader of any allergies or medical needs before the session begins.
   • Handwashing facilities or wipes will be available, and adults are responsible for ensuring children wash their hands after messy play.
   • Any child showing signs of illness should not attend sessions.
     
8. Behaviour and Conduct
   • Gentle Explorers promotes a calm, child-led, nature-inspired approach to play.
   • Adults are expected to support children in using materials respectfully and safely.
   • Any behaviour that compromises safety may result in redirection or removal from an activity.
     
9. Liability
   • By attending a session, adults accept responsibility for supervising the children in their care.
   • Gentle Explorers is responsible for providing a safe environment and risk-assessed activities but cannot be held liable for incidents resulting from lack of supervision.
     
10. Review of Policy
    • This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required to meet insurance, safeguarding, or operational updates

Last updated: 15th September 2026

1. Bookings and Payments
   • Securing a Place: All class bookings must be made and paid for in advance through our official booking system – Book When.
   • Payment Terms: A child’s place is only confirmed once full payment has been received.
   • Single Sessions & Terms: Bookings are non-transferable between different term blocks or different weeks, except under the gifting rules outlined below.
     
2. Illness, Cancellations, and Refunds
   • Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds, credits, or class transfers if you or your child are unable to attend due to illness or personal reasons.
   • Gifting Your Spot: If you cannot attend, you may gift your ticket to a friend. You must notify us via email or message before the class starts with the friend’s name and any child allergies.
   • Social Media Gifting: With sufficient notice, we may be able to offer your ticket as a gift to another family in our community via our social media platforms. We cannot guarantee a taker, and no refund is given if the spot remains empty.
   • Class Cancellation by Us: If a class is cancelled due to venue issues, severe weather, circumstances beyond our control or instructor illness, we will offer a rescheduled date or a full refund for that session.
     
3. Parent Supervision and Safety
   • Parental Responsibility: Parents and carers remain fully responsible for the care, safety, and constant supervision of their child at all times during the class.
   • Suitability of Materials: While activities are designed with young children in mind, some resources may contain small parts and are not intended for mouthing or consumption. Children must be supervised by their accompanying adult at all times.
   • Lone Instructor: The class leader is present solely to facilitate the activities, not to provide childcare or supervision.
   • Allergies: You must disclose any known allergies, food intolerances, or skin sensitivities for your child during the booking process.
     
4. Clothing and Messy Play
   • Dress for Mess: Both children and adults should wear old clothes that you do not mind getting stained.
   • Material Safety: We use non-toxic, child-safe materials, but we cannot guarantee that products will not stain clothing, footwear, or personal items.
   • Liability: We accept no liability for any damage to personal property, clothing, or vehicles brought to the venues.
     
5. Photography and Media
   • Personal Photography: Parents are welcome to take photos of their own children. Please respect other families and ensure other children are not in your shots.
   • Gentle Explorers Photography: We may occasionally take photos or videos for marketing and social media. We will always ask for your explicit verbal or written consent before taking or using these images
     
6. Data Protection
   • Personal Information: Any information provided during the booking process will be stored securely and used only for the operation of Gentle Explorers.
   • We may use your information to:
     • Manage bookings and payments
     • Send class and event information
     • Notify you of schedule changes or cancellations
     • Respond to enquiries
     • Maintain attendance and safety records
     • Provide a safe environment through the management of relevant medical information
   • We will never sell or share your personal information with third parties unless required by law.
   • Keeping information up to date: It is your responsibility to inform us of any changes to contact details, emergency contacts, allergies, medical conditions, or additional needs.
     
7. Lost Property
   Gentle Explorers cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged during classes or events. Any items found will be retained for a reasonable period before being donated or disposed of.
   
8. Acceptance of These Terms
   By booking and attending a Gentle Explorers class or event, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Gentle Explorers reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Last updated: 15th September 2026

Gentle Explorers (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the Gentle Explorers website (the “Service”).

This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use and disclosure of Personal Information when you use our Service.

We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy.

We use your Personal Information for providing and improving the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible at https://gentleexplorers.co.uk

Information Collection And Use

While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you. Personally identifiable information (“Personal Information”) may include, but is not limited to:

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number

Log Data

We collect information that your browser sends whenever you visit our Service (“Log Data”). This Log Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages and other statistics.

Cookies

Cookies are files with small amount of data, which may include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to your browser from a web site and stored on your computer’s hard drive.

We use “cookies” to collect information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service.

Service Providers

We may employ third party companies and individuals to facilitate our Service, to provide the Service on our behalf, to perform Service-related services or to assist us in analysing how our Service is used.

These third parties have access to your Personal Information only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

Security

The security of your Personal Information is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Links To Other Sites

Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third party link, you will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit.

We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Children’s Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 18 (“Children”).

We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with Personal Information, please contact us. If we discover that a child under 18 has provided us with Personal Information, we will delete such information from our servers immediately.

Changes To This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us.

Last updated: 15th September 2026

Please read these Terms of Use (“Terms”, “Terms of Use”) carefully before using the https://gentleexplorers.co.uk website (the “Service”) operated by Gentle Explorers (“us”, “we”, or “our”).

Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service.

By accessing or using the Service you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms then you may not access the Service.

Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of Gentle Explorers and its licensors.

Links To Other Web Sites

Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by Gentle Explorers.

Gentle Explorers has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that Gentle Explorers shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services.

We strongly advise you to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that you visit.

Disclaimer

Your use of the Service is at your sole risk. The Service is provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis. The Service is provided without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement or course of performance.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of United Kingdom without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights. If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in effect. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between us regarding our Service, and supersede and replace any prior agreements we might have between us regarding the Service.

Changes

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material we will try to provide at least 30 days notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion.

By continuing to access or use our Service after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, please stop using the Service.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us.