We are dedicated to best practice in child safeguarding and have a robust policy and procedures in place, ensuring full compliance with all relevant guidelines and legislation.

As mandated persons, we are legally required to report safeguarding concerns that meet a defined threshold to Tusla – Child and Family Agency. Our practice is informed by key national documents: Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice (Tusla), the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (HIQA) July 2012, and Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017.

We recognise the unique strengths and challenges faced by our neurodivergent community. At Thrive Outside Occupational Therapy, we are committed to an explicitly neuroaffirming policy, which means we honour and respect neurodiversity as a natural form of human variation. Our therapeutic approach is tailored to support and celebrate the unique needs and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, promoting acceptance and well-being.

Thrive Outside Occupational Therapy is committed to client confidentiality, particularly with the personal and sensitive information shared during assessment and therapy services. Our paramount consideration is always the child's best interests and safety. Therefore, when parents request records, we must carefully assess the potential for harm or misuse of sensitive data. In any instance where there is a risk to a child's safety, welfare, or privacy, we reserve the right to withhold sensitive information.

We are committed to the secure handling of our clients' data.

Data Retention:

• Physical Files: Stored for 7 years, then securely destroyed.

• Electronic Copies: Stored for 10 years, then securely deleted.

Opting Out of an assessment or therapy service:

Should you choose not to proceed with an assessment, all related data concerning you or your child will be immediately deleted, as the original purpose for data collection is no longer valid. If you contact us again in the future regarding an assessment, we will require you to provide your data once more.

Nature Protection and Stewardship Policy

Thrive Outside Occupational Therapy Ltd (Reg: 775096)

1. Introduction and Philosophy

At Thrive Outside Occupational Therapy, we believe that nature provides the perfect real-life playground for children to grow, develop, and find emotional well-being. Our core philosophy is to foster growth in a manner that is inherently natural and engaging. As we partner with nature to provide meaningful therapy, we recognise our responsibility to protect and preserve the very environments - beaches, woodlands, and fields - that facilitate this transformation.

2. Our Commitment

Our practice utilises the ConTiGO (Connection and Transformation in the Great Outdoors) approach, which emphasises a deep connection with nature. This connection necessitates a "Leave No Trace" ethos to ensure the longevity and health of our therapeutic spaces. We aim to:

• Foster children’s connection to others and to nature.

• Ensure our presence does not negatively impact local biodiversity.

• Integrate environmental stewardship into our therapeutic interventions.

3. Practical Stewardship Actions

Focus Area

Protection Guidelines

Flora & Fauna

We avoid disturbing local wildlife and protect sensitive plant life during sessions. We educate children on the importance of observing animals from a distance.

Natural Materials

Use of "natural loose parts" (sticks, stones, water) is managed sustainably. Materials are returned to their natural state or place at the end of each session.

Waste Management

We maintain a strict "carry-in, carry-out" policy for all equipment, snacks, and medical supplies. We encourage families to use reusable containers to minimise waste.

Site Selection

We rotate session locations within our natural settings to prevent soil compaction and excessive wear on vegetation.

4. Weather and Seasonal Awareness

We embrace every day regardless of the weather, but we do so with an awareness of how different conditions impact the land. During periods of extreme wetness or drought, session activities are modified to prevent erosion or damage to the ecosystem.

5. Client Engagement in Protection

As part of developing problem-solving and social-emotional skills, we involve children in caring for the natural environment. This includes:

• Practicing mindfulness in how we move through natural spaces.

• Building shelters or structures in ways that do not damage living trees or habitats.

• Developing an appreciation for active, outdoor engagement that respects the environment.

6. Compliance and Review

This policy is aligned with our commitment to best practices and will be reviewed annually to ensure we continue to meet high standards of environmental stewardship.

Approved By: Rachel O'Mahony, Clinical Director, Thrive Outside Occupational Therapy Ltd

Date of Policy: 01.08.2026

Our pricing reflects the specialised nature of the therapy we offer. Your therapist will give you a detailed breakdown of the costs before confirming any appointments, and we will always communicate any changes in prices in advance.

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider, as you may be eligible to claim some or all of the cost of your assessment or therapy service.

We understand that unexpected things can happen. However, a missed appointment means another family loses out on that appointment.

We kindly request a minimum of 48 hours notice for any cancellation or rescheduling.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee.

We often receive questions about how we handle rain, cold, wind, and icy conditions.

Living in a climate where the weather can change multiple times a day, we believe it's important not to put our lives on hold waiting for perfect, sunny weather. Rather than viewing "bad weather" as an obstacle, we see it as a fantastic opportunity for unique sensory experiences and building resilience. 

Preparation is essential: this means suitable waterproof clothing/shoes, sun protection in the summer, and extra layers for warmth in the winter are vital. We do have spare waterproof trousers and coats available in case our clients forget theirs.

However, client safety is our top priority and we appreciate our clients' flexibility in managing weather-related adjustments. Nature-based appointments are cancelled during official severe weather warnings or if the forecast wind speed exceeds 33 km/h. In these rare instances, we may switch the session indoors to our clinic and/or make every effort to reschedule.