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The Three Standards

Code of Practice for Parent–Baby Spaces

Purpose

This Code of Practice sets out the principles, responsibilities, and standards expected of instructors and/or practitioners who hold space for parents and babies.

This may include those working in:

classes

groups

one-to-one support

therapeutic or wellbeing settings

It exists to:

protect families

raise professional standards

ensure emotional and physical safety

promote compassionate, inclusive, and reflective practice

This Code applies to all practitioners who choose to align with or be recognised within Parent Baby Spaces.

1) Emotional Safety & Space-Holding

You commit to:

• creating an emotionally safe environment

• holding the space with calm, grounded presence

• being attuned to dynamics and individual needs

• avoiding shaming, judgement, or comparison

• recognising signs of overwhelm and responding sensitively

• using inclusive, kind, non-prescriptive language

2) Parent Wellbeing as Central to Practice

You commit to:

• valuing the parent’s wellbeing alongside the baby’s development

• recognising that early parenthood can be tender and exhausting

• offering reassurance rather than pressure

• avoiding “perfect parenting” narratives

• signposting to appropriate support where needed

A space is successful when parents leave feeling calmer, more confident, and less alone.

3) Baby Wellbeing & Development

You commit to:

• respecting each baby as an individual

• responding to babies’ cues rather than imposing rigid structures

• ensuring activities and/or support are age-appropriate and safe

• allowing freedom of movement and emotional expression

• never forcing participation or overstimulation

Connection takes priority over performance.

4) Inclusion, Equality & Accessibility

You commit to welcoming all families regardless of:

• feeding choices

• family structure

• culture, race, or religion

• disability or neurodiversity

• parental mental health

• socioeconomic background

You will reflect on unconscious bias and adapt their practice where reasonably possible.

5) Safeguarding & Professional Boundaries

You commit to:

• holding a Enhanched DBS check

• completing safeguarding training and maintaining regular refreshers

• maintaining clear professional boundaries

• treating personal information with confidentiality and care

• acting in accordance with your local safeguarding procedures

6) Health, Safety & Risk Awareness

You commit to:

• holding public liability insurance

• conducting appropriate risk assessments

• ensuring safe use of equipment and materials

• maintaining suitable first aid training

• creating hygienic and safe environments for parents and babies

7) Ethical Practice & Integrity

You commit to:

• being honest about qualifications and experience

• avoiding misleading claims

• not exploiting parental anxiety

• respecting other instructors and professionals

• marketing their work with integrity and care

8) Reflective Practice & Continuous Learning

You commit to:

• engaging in regular reflective practice

• undertaking ongoing CPD in relevant areas such as:

attachment and early relationships

nervous system awareness

perinatal mental health

inclusion and accessibility safeguarding

9) Community & Collective Responsibility

When aligned with Parent–Baby Spaces you commit to:

• supporting one another

• sharing good practice

• contributing to higher standards within parent–baby spaces

• upholding the reputation and integrity of the community

We rise together.

10) Accountability

Concerns regarding breaches of this Code may be reviewed through a fair, proportionate, and compassionate process.

Where appropriate, outcomes may include:

• guidance and support

• reflective discussion

• temporary suspension from recognition in serious circumstances

11) Supervision & Support (for those accessing the deeper support)

You are encouraged to engage in reflective practice and access supervision or peer support where possible.

Regular online reflective gatherings will be offered to support you in holding emotionally safe spaces for families.

Holding space for parents and babies involves significant emotional labour. Ongoing support helps maintain ethical boundaries, compassion, and sustainability.

Minimum Standards for Recognition

To be listed as a Recognised Parent–Baby Space, you are agreeing to have the following:

Safeguarding and Safety

Enhanced DBS check

Safeguarding training completed within the past 3 years

Basic first aid training (ideally paediatric first aid or baby CPR)

Professional Practice

Public liability insurance

Agreement to follow the Parent–Baby Spaces Code of Practice

A clear statement outlining the scope of practice for the sessions offered

Training and Competence

Evidence of training in the modality being taught

Commitment to completing at least 10 hours of relevant CPD each year

Ethical & Inclusive Practice

Commitment to using non-judgemental language with parents and families

An inclusive welcome to families of all backgrounds and circumstances

No fear-based or shaming messaging within marketing or teaching

Practical Readiness

A basic risk assessment process in place

A simple signposting list for local support services available to parents

Annual Renewal

Each year instructors will be asked to:

Confirm that DBS and insurance remain current

Confirm that safeguarding training is up to date

Submit a short CPD reflection

Safeguarding Statement

Parent Baby Spaces is committed to promoting safe, respectful, and supportive environments for parents and babies.

Recognised spaces within Parent Baby Spaces are expected to:

hold current safeguarding training

follow local safeguarding procedures

understand how to recognise and respond

appropriately to safeguarding concerns

know how to contact their local safeguarding partnership and early help services

Parent Baby Spaces provides guidance and signposting to support best practice, recognising that safeguarding is a shared local responsibility.

Parent Baby Spaces does not provide safeguarding training, investigate safeguarding concerns, or hold case records.

All safeguarding responsibilities remain with the individual practitioner.

Any concerns must always be managed through local safeguarding procedures and appropriate statutory services.

Those who choose to become recognised within Parent Baby Spaces are agreeing to align their practice with these standards.

By completing payment, this confirms your intention to work in alignment with them.

We encourage anyone joining to take time to read all three standards and fully understand these standards, ensuring they feel right for the way they hold their space.