Little Barn of Calm - Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your participation in animal-assisted wellbeing activities provided by Little Barn of Calm ("we," "us," "our," or the "Company"). By booking and participating in any activity, you ("you," "your," or the "Participant" – or the Parent/Guardian if the Participant is under 18) agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Services

Little Barn of Calm provides animal-assisted wellbeing activities for children within the following age groups:

  • 5-7 years

  • 8-10 years

  • 11-15 years

The specific activities and animals involved may vary. We reserve the right to modify or substitute activities and animals as necessary, due to animal welfare, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

3. Bookings and Payment

  • Bookings are to be made online at www.littlebarnofcalm.co.uk.

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.

  • Payment will be taken via a secure debit/credit card portal. No cash payments will be accepted.

4. Cancellations and Refunds

  • Participant Cancellation: If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us at least two (2) working days prior to the scheduled activity to be eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made with less than two working days' notice will not be eligible for a refund.

  • Company Cancellation: We reserve the right to cancel an activity due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., animal illness, severe weather). In such cases, we will offer you the option of a full refund or rescheduling to a later date.

5. Participant Requirements and Supervision

  • Age Restrictions: Participants must be within the specified age ranges for the activity they are booked into.

  • Parental/Guardian Consent: For Participants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent and agree to these Terms and Conditions on their behalf.

  • Supervision – Group Sessions: For group sessions, due to animal welfare considerations and the size of our facilities, activities are child-only. A comfortable waiting room with complimentary refreshments is provided for parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are required to remain on-site throughout the duration of the activity in case they are needed.

  • Supervision – One-on-One Sessions: For one-on-one sessions, one parent/guardian must accompany and remain with the child throughout the duration of the activity.

  • Medical Conditions and Allergies: You must inform us of any relevant medical condition, allergy, or behavioural needs of the Participant at the time of booking.

6. Animal Interaction and Safety

  • Animal Welfare: The welfare of our animals is of utmost importance. We reserve the right to limit or refuse interaction with animals if we believe it poses a risk to the animal's well-being.

  • Instructions: Participants must follow all instructions given by Little Barn of Calm staff regarding interacting with the animals. This includes instructions on how to approach, handle, and interact with the animals.

  • Unpredictable Nature of Animals: While our animals are carefully selected and accustomed to human interaction, they are still animals and can behave unpredictably. There is always a risk of bites, scratches, or other injuries.

  • Liability: Little Barn of Calm, its employees, and its volunteers shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, damage, or loss sustained by Participants or their property arising from interaction with the animals, or for damage to clothing, except where such injury, illness, damage, or loss is caused by our proven negligence. We strongly recommend that Participants have appropriate personal accident and injury insurance.

  • Hygiene: Handwashing facilities will be provided, and Participants are required to wash their hands thoroughly before and after interacting with the animals.

7. Clothing and Footwear

Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for a farm environment. This may include closed-toe shoes, long trousers, and clothing that can become soiled. We recommend bringing waterproof clothing in case of inclement weather.

8. Photography and Videography

  • Company Photography: Little Barn of Calm may take photographs or videos of activities for marketing and promotional purposes. We will obtain explicit, signed consent from the parent or legal guardian of any identifiable child before using their image. A separate consent form will be provided for this purpose.

  • Group Session Photography - Company Use: For group sessions, the use of images for marketing purposes by Little Barn of Calm requires the signed consent of all parents/guardians of children present in the session. If unanimous consent is not obtained, we will not use any group images for marketing.

  • Group Session Photography - Parent/Guardian Photography: Parents/guardians may take photos of their own children during group sessions only if all other parents/guardians present give their signed consent. If any parent/guardian objects, personal photography will not be permitted. A separate consent form will be provided.

  • Alternative Image Sharing: If consent for general photography is not granted, Little Barn of Calm will, where possible, take an individual photograph of your child with the animals and share this with you privately via a secure electronic file transfer method. This ensures you have a memento of the experience while respecting everyone's privacy preferences.

  • Prohibition of unauthorised photography: Photography and video by unauthorised persons is prohibited.

9. Data Protection

We will collect and process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our Privacy Policy can be found at www.littlebarnofcalm.co.uk/privacy-policy or provided upon request.

10. Changes to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website (www.littlebarnofcalm.co.uk) and/or communicated to you directly.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:

Little Barn of Calm

Field Heads Farm

Castleside

Consett

DH8 9AT

kelly.j.piggott@gmail.com

13. Parking

On-site parking is limited. The entrance to the site is very narrow and leads onto a busy road. Parking cannot be guaranteed on the day, and alternative parking arrangements may be necessary, taking into consideration nearby residents. A speed limit of 5mph must be observed when entering and leaving the site.

By booking an activity with Little Barn of Calm, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.