Risk Assessment: Private Sessions
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PETS ON THE GREEN LTD
Risk Assessment: Private Sessions & Alternative Provision
| Activity | Private animal handling sessions, SEN support sessions, EHCP-commissioned alternative provision |
| Location | 4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN (Garden room, sensory den, outdoor garden area) |
| Session Types | 1:1 private sessions, small groups (2-4), SEN/AAI sessions, EHCP Section F provision |
| Persons at Risk | Children/young people (with diverse needs including SEND), parents/carers, POTG staff, animals |
| Assessed by | Ciera O'Rourke (Owner/Lead Practitioner) |
| Review Date | April 2026 (reviewed annually or following incident) |
Risk Rating Matrix
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (1) | Low (1) | Low (1-3) | Acceptable risk - monitor |
| Medium (2) | Medium (2) | Medium (4-6) | Control measures required |
| High (3) | High (3) | High (7-9) | Immediate action required |
1. PREMISES AND ENVIRONMENT SAFETY
HAZARD 1.1: Premises environment unsuitable for children with diverse needs
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Pre-session safety check conducted (trip hazards, temperature, lighting)
- Garden room and sensory den fully accessible (wheelchair accessible, step-free)
- Temperature maintained at comfortable level (18-22 degrees C)
- Adjustable lighting available (bright for activities, dimmed for sensory regulation)
- Quiet sensory den available for regulation breaks or overwhelm
- Floor space clear of clutter and trip hazards
- Furniture arranged to allow free movement and safe handling zones
- Fire exit clearly marked and accessible
Residual Risk: Low (1)
HAZARD 1.2: Access to unsafe areas (pool, hot tub, main house)
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Designated session area: garden room, sensory den, and designated outdoor garden area only
- Pool and hot tub area securely fenced, gated and locked during all sessions
- Main house remains private - participants not permitted inside
- Clear visual/physical boundaries established
- Toilet facilities provided in garden room only
- Participants supervised at all times - never left unattended
- For participants with elopement risk: additional 1:1 supervision or parent/carer present
- Gates remain closed throughout session
Residual Risk: Low (3)
HAZARD 1.3: Sensory overload or dysregulation in environment
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Sensory profile completed before first session (sensory seeking/avoiding, triggers)
- Calm, predictable environment maintained (minimal background noise)
- Sensory equipment available: noise-cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads, fidgets, visual timers
- Quiet sensory den available for breaks or self-regulation
- Sessions start with baseline mood check using visual cards
- Participant can request breaks or leave room at any time
- POTG staff trained to recognise dysregulation signs (BSY Level 3 AAT)
- Session pace adjusted to individual needs - low-demand approach
Residual Risk: Low (2)
2. SAFEGUARDING AND SUPERVISION
HAZARD 2.1: Safeguarding concerns during 1:1 sessions
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- All staff hold current DBS certificates (Ciera: Enhanced DBS No. 001959488871)
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ciera O'Rourke
- Parent/carer invited to stay for 1:1 sessions (encouraged for under 11s)
- If parent chooses to leave: second POTG staff member present OR session in visible area
- CCTV coverage of garden room (with parental consent for safeguarding purposes)
- Professional boundaries maintained at all times
- Physical intervention only used in emergencies (safety of child/animal) and recorded
- Safeguarding concerns reported to Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership within 24 hours
- Session notes maintained securely and confidentially
Residual Risk: Low (2)
HAZARD 2.2: Child/young person leaving premises unsupervised (elopement risk)
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Elopement/bolting risk identified during intake assessment
- Garden perimeter is gated and secure - cannot exit without staff knowledge
- Main gate remains closed and monitored throughout session
- For high elopement risk: 1:1 supervision or parent/carer remains present
- Visual supports used (Now/Next/Then cards, visual timetable) to reduce anxiety
- Predictable routine reduces need to escape
- Missing child procedure in place: immediate search, alert parent, call 999 if not found within 5 minutes
Residual Risk: Low (3)
3. SEND SUPPORT AND INDIVIDUALISATION
HAZARD 3.1: Child/young person with autism becoming distressed or overwhelmed
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Detailed intake assessment: communication style, sensory profile, interests, triggers, regulation strategies
- Social story available on request (sent before first session)
- Ciera O'Rourke holds BSY Level 3 Animal Assisted Therapy (SEN-trained)
- Predictable structure: same time/day available, visual timetable shown at start
- Choice offered throughout: animal choice board, observe vs handle, breaks anytime
- Communication supports: visual cards (stop/pause/go), gesture respected, AAC device accommodated
- Sensory regulation tools available: weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, movement breaks
- Stimming/self-regulation encouraged (animals moved to safety first)
- Meltdown support: immediate access to sensory den, space or talk-through as preferred, low-demand
- Debrief sheet provided after each session (AP only)
Residual Risk: Low (3)
HAZARD 3.2: Child with physical disability unable to access session safely
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities (ramp to garden room, step-free throughout)
- Handling baskets/trays available for children who can't hold animals on lap
- Handling towels provided to support animals on wheelchairs/specialist equipment
- Animals brought to child's level (wheelchair height, floor level, table height)
- Lightweight, gentle animals selected for children with limited grip strength
- Sensory interaction supported for children with limited mobility (visual, auditory, gentle touch)
- Parent/carer can assist with positioning and handling as needed
Residual Risk: Low (1)
HAZARD 3.3: Child with challenging behaviour causing harm to self, others or animals
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Behaviour profile obtained during intake (triggers, warning signs, de-escalation strategies)
- Behaviour support plan shared by school/LA if child has one
- Clear expectations explained at start using visual supports
- Proactive strategies: choice, predictability, regulation breaks, sensory input
- Low-demand approach - no pressure to participate
- Early intervention: animals removed at first sign of rough handling
- De-escalation strategies: space, calm voice, sensory den access, preferred activity
- Physical intervention only as last resort (immediate danger to child/animal) and recorded
- Session paused or ended if behaviour cannot be managed safely
- Risk assessment reviewed after any serious incident
Residual Risk: Low (3)
4. ANIMAL HANDLING AND WELFARE
HAZARD 4.1: Inappropriate animal selection for child's needs or abilities
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Animals individually matched to child's needs, interests and abilities
- Range of species, sizes, textures, activity levels available
Animal selection considerations:
- Sensory seekers: Textured animals (hedgehogs, snails, snakes), temperature variation (warm skinny pigs, cool geckos)
- Sensory avoiders: Soft, quiet animals (rabbits, guinea pigs), predictable movement (tortoise)
- Anxiety/regulation: Slow, calming animals (bearded dragon, tortoise, rabbit)
- Limited mobility: Lightweight animals that can be brought to child (small mammals, geckos)
- Impulse control challenges: Calm, tolerant animals (rabbit, guinea pig) not fast-moving species
- Visual impairment: Animals with distinct textures, sounds, or warmth (hedgehog, galah)
- Child always given choice from suitable options via visual choice board
- Animals rotated throughout session to maintain engagement and prevent stress
Residual Risk: Low (2)
HAZARD 4.2: Bites, scratches or injury during handling
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Only well-socialised, regularly handled animals used for private/AP sessions
- Clear, age-appropriate handling demonstration given before each animal
- Handling guidance adapted for communication needs (visual, gesture, simplified language)
- Child seated or supported during handling to minimize drop risk
- Handling towels/baskets always provided
- 1:1 supervision ratio maintained during handling
- Staff remain within arm's reach throughout
- Animals showing stress removed immediately
- For children with unpredictable movements: extra-calm animals or observation only
- First aid kit readily available
- Minor injuries treated immediately and parent/carer informed
Residual Risk: Low (3)
HAZARD 4.3: Animal welfare compromised by extended sessions or repeat handling
Risk Rating: Medium (4) - Likelihood: Medium (2) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- Session duration appropriate to child's needs: 60 mins (private), 90 mins (EHCP standard), 180 mins (extended AP)
- Animals rotated throughout longer sessions - never handled continuously
- Each animal handled maximum 15-20 minutes then rested
- Signs of stress monitored continuously: rapid breathing, attempts to hide, restlessness, aggression
- Stressed animals removed immediately and not re-introduced that session
- Water and quiet rest areas available for animals throughout
- For weekly AP provision: different animals used each week to distribute handling load
- Rest days provided between intensive handling sessions
Residual Risk: Low (2)
5. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
HAZARD 5.1: Allergic reaction to animal fur, feathers or dander
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Allergy information collected during intake assessment
- Parent asked to bring inhalers/EpiPens to session
- Range of animal types available (fur-free reptiles for allergic children)
- Observation-only option for children with severe allergies
- Hand sanitiser mandatory after handling each animal
- No face-touching during animal handling
- Signs of allergic reaction monitored: rash, wheezing, breathing difficulty, swelling
- Emergency procedure: stop handling, administer medication if available, call 999 if severe
Residual Risk: Low (3)
HAZARD 5.2: Medical emergency (seizure, diabetes, asthma attack, injury)
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Medical conditions identified during intake (epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis)
- Healthcare plan shared by parent/school if child has one
- Emergency medication location confirmed at start of session
- Ciera O'Rourke holds paediatric first aid certificate
- First aid kit readily accessible and fully stocked
- Mobile phone fully charged with 999 on speed dial
- Full address ready for emergency services: 4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, CR6 9HN
- Parent/carer emergency contact immediately accessible
- Incident report completed within 24 hours
Residual Risk: Low (2)
HAZARD 5.3: Transmission of zoonotic diseases
Risk Rating: Low (2) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: Medium (2)
Control Measures:
- All animals receive regular veterinary health checks (Mark Rowland MRCVS)
- Daily health monitoring - unwell animals not used in sessions
- Hand sanitiser mandatory after every animal contact
- Handwashing facilities available in garden room
- No eating or drinking during animal handling
- Reptile handling areas kept separate from food/snack areas
- Equipment cleaned after each session (carriers, towels, handling equipment)
Residual Risk: Low (1)
6. ALTERNATIVE PROVISION SPECIFIC RISKS
HAZARD 6.1: School-aged child not receiving statutory education
Risk Rating: Medium (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Alternative provision only accepted via formal EHCP Section F commission or LA referral
- Written agreement in place with commissioning school/LA before provision starts
- Clear objectives and outcomes defined aligned to EHCP
- Attendance register maintained for every session
- Absence reported to school/LA same day
- Session notes and progress tracking maintained
- Regular reports provided to school/LA (frequency as agreed)
- Annual review contributions provided as required
Residual Risk: Low (2)
HAZARD 6.2: Inadequate safeguarding oversight for vulnerable AP pupils
Risk Rating: High (6) - Likelihood: Low (2) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- POTG safeguarding policy aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ciera O'Rourke (Enhanced DBS, safeguarding training)
- School's DSL contact details obtained before provision starts
- Safeguarding concerns reported to school DSL same day
- Record-keeping maintained: attendance, session notes, incidents, safeguarding logs
- Session notes stored securely and confidentially
- Parent/carer communication maintained throughout provision
Residual Risk: Low (2)
7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
HAZARD 7.1: Fire or emergency evacuation
Risk Rating: Low (3) - Likelihood: Low (1) x Severity: High (3)
Control Measures:
- Fire exit clearly marked and accessible from garden room
- Assembly point identified (front driveway)
- Evacuation procedure explained to child/young person at start of first session
- Visual evacuation plan available for children who need it
- Priority: 1) Child evacuates, 2) Staff evacuate, 3) Animals if safe
- Parent/carer contacted immediately
- Smoke alarm tested monthly
Residual Risk: Low (1)
8. ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS AND CONTROLS
Insurance and Licensing
- Public Liability Insurance: 5,000,000 GBP (Policy No. SALSALIA/J356824/0468/25)
- Employers Liability Insurance: 10,000,000 GBP
- Animal Activities Licence: No. 014153 (Tandridge District Council)
Staff Qualifications and Vetting
- Ciera O'Rourke: BSY Level 3 Animal Assisted Therapy (SEN specialist training)
- Ciera O'Rourke: Paediatric First Aid certified
- Ciera O'Rourke: Enhanced DBS Certificate No. 001959488871
- All staff: Basic DBS checked and DBS Update Service registered
Animal Health and Welfare
- Veterinary care: Mark Rowland MRCVS, Trinity Veterinary Centre, Maidstone
- All animals health-checked daily before sessions
- Animals housed on-site in purpose-built facilities meeting Animal Welfare Act requirements
- Working time limits: 60-90 mins with rotation breaks
Intake and Assessment
- Comprehensive intake assessment completed before first session
- Information collected: SEND profile, communication needs, sensory profile, medical conditions, allergies, behaviour support needs, interests, EHCP outcomes (if applicable)
- Risk assessment individualised based on child's specific needs
- Parent/carer involvement throughout booking and provision
Therapeutic and Educational Value
Private and AP sessions support:
- Emotional regulation and sensory integration
- Social communication and interaction skills
- Confidence building and self-esteem
- Engagement and motivation for children disaffected from education
- Science curriculum links (animal biology, life cycles, habitats)
- PSHE development (empathy, responsibility, caring)
9. REVIEW AND MONITORING
This risk assessment is reviewed:
- Annually (or sooner if circumstances change)
- Following any incident, near-miss, or complaint
- When new animals are introduced
- When taking on children with new/complex needs profiles
- If KCSIE guidance changes
Individual risk assessments created for:
- Children with significant challenging behaviour
- Children with high elopement risk
- Children with complex medical needs
All incidents reported to:
- Parents/carers (immediately)
- Commissioning school/LA (for AP provision)
- Insurance company (if claim required)
- Tandridge District Council (Animal Activities Licence)
- HSE if reportable under RIDDOR
| Assessed by: | Ciera O'Rourke | Date: | April 2026 |
| Next Review: | April 2027 | Signature: |
Pets on the Green Ltd - Company No. 17111255
4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN
