Short version: we list activities, we don’t run them, and we don’t check anybody. Here’s exactly what that means, so you can make your own decisions.
What we ask of the people we list
Anyone listing a business, class or organised session confirms, when they submit it, that they hold the insurance and DBS checks their activity needs and could show them if asked.
We take that on trust. We do not see certificates, and we do not verify them. Asking a provider to see their DBS certificate and insurance is normal, reasonable, and something any good provider expects. Please do it.
Parent-organised meet-ups are different
Some of what’s listed here isn’t a business at all, it’s parents arranging to meet in a park or a cafe. Those listings are marked Parent-organised meet-up.
- Nobody is DBS checked, and no insurance is in place
- Nobody is supervising your child, you stay responsible for them throughout
- There is no organisation behind it, and no complaints process
That’s not a warning against them. Meet-ups are one of the best things about home educating, and most families’ week is built around them. It just means they aren’t the same kind of thing as a paid class, and we won’t present them as though they are.
What we do on our side
- No home addresses. Groups meeting at someone’s house show the town only, with contact through the organiser.
- Meeting points for meet-ups are shared by the organiser, not published on an open page for anyone to read.
- We check that an organiser is real before listing them, an existing group, a working website, or a conversation.
- No identifiable children in photos without written consent from their parent.
- No public comments or reviews on listings.
- Accounts are for adults. Nobody under 18 may register.
- We remove first and ask afterwards. If a concern is raised about a listing, it comes down while we look into it.
If you’re worried about a child
Don’t tell us first, tell the people who can act.
- A child is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Worried about a child’s safety or welfare: Norfolk County Council children’s services, 0344 800 8020.
- A concern about an adult who works with children: Norfolk’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), 01603 223473, or LADO@norfolk.gov.uk.
- NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000, any time.
Then, if it involves something listed here, please tell us as well so we can take the listing down. We’d far rather remove something unnecessarily than leave it up.