Regional law firm Napthens has launched a specialist service aimed at its clients in the children’s nursery sector.

Safeguard by Napthens will see the firm combine its experience in the education sector, advising schools and nurseries on a variety of legal issues, with its expertise in family law.

Safeguard will offer a fixed-cost, annual package offering support and advice for nursery owners and their staff on a range of legal issues relating to the children in their care.

The service includes three elements: education, helpline, and policies and documentation.

Education includes practical, interactive and tailored workshops with case studies and discussion, looking at topics such as parental responsibility issues, parental disputes and child protection law.

The helpline service offers practical advice from experienced family lawyers, to support owners, staff and the children in their care.

Finally, the policies and documentation service offers assistance with issues including admissions policies and procedures, changes in a child’s circumstances – for instance their parents separating, and help with relevant forms and checklists.

Sharon McDonald, chartered legal executive with the Family team at Napthens, is heading up the service. She said: “There are many day-to-day issues that can raise their heads for nursery owners and their staff.

“Safeguard will mean that business owners can concentrate on the important matter of looking after the children in their care and running a successful business, while knowing that they and their staff have access to the right advice when they need it most.”