Safeguarding Policy for Rainbow House Publishing Limited

About Us

Rainbow House Publishing Limited is a children's publishing company with a unique mission: to build self-belief in children one book at a time by empowering children aged 7-12 to write books for their peers. Our goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where young authors can express themselves creatively, develop confidence, and contribute to the literary world.

Policy Statement

At Rainbow House Publishing Limited, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people we work with. We recognise that our role in working with young authors comes with significant responsibilities to ensure their safety, well-being, and protection from harm. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all young people involved with Rainbow House Publishing Limited.

Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including but not limited to:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • The Children and Families Act 2014

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022)

  • The Education Act 2002 (Section 175)

Introductory Policy and Scope

Rainbow House Publishing Limited’s safeguarding policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone who has direct access to the child authors and their families. It covers all aspects of our work with children, including interactions with parents, caregivers, and guardians, as well as the management of social media and events related to our publishing activities.

Forms of Harm and Abuse

We recognize that harm and abuse can take various forms, including but not limited to:

  • Physical Abuse: Deliberate physical harm or injury.

  • Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.

  • Sexual Abuse: Involvement of a child in sexual activity or exploitation.

  • Neglect: Failure to provide for the child's basic physical and emotional needs.

  • Online Abuse: Exploitation or harm through digital platforms.

Signs of Harm and Abuse

Signs that a child may be experiencing harm or abuse include, but are not limited to:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent injuries

  • Changes in behaviour or mood

  • Withdrawal or reluctance to communicate

  • Unusual or inappropriate knowledge of sexual matters

  • Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance

Responsibility for Safeguarding

Nicola J Rowley is the designated Safeguarding Officer for Rainbow House Publishing Limited. All staff and associates are required to report any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer, who will take appropriate action in line with this policy. It is essential that all individuals working with child authors are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and follow the procedures outlined in this policy.

Responding to a Safeguarding Concern

If a staff member, volunteer, or associate has concerns about a child's safety or well-being, they must:

  1. Report: Inform Nicola J Rowley immediately and document the concern.

  2. Record: Keep a detailed record of the concern and any actions taken.

  3. Refer: Nicola J Rowley will decide whether to refer the concern to local authorities or other relevant agencies, following the Local Authority Safeguarding Board guidelines for the child’s residence.

Low-Level Safeguarding Concerns

Low-level concerns, such as minor inappropriate behaviour, should be reported to Nicola J Rowley. These concerns will be recorded and reviewed to determine whether they indicate a pattern of behaviour that may warrant further action.

Safer Recruitment

All staff and volunteers will undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including:

  • Background Checks: Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

  • References: Obtaining and reviewing references from previous employers or relevant organizations.

  • Interviews: Conducting thorough interviews to assess suitability for working with children.

Staff Relationships with Young People

Staff members must maintain professional boundaries at all times. Any relationships that could lead to conflicts of interest or exploitation must be avoided. Personal relationships with child authors are prohibited.

Records and Storage of Young People’s Information

All personal information about young authors will be stored securely and only used for the purposes of the publishing process. Access to this information is restricted to authorized personnel only. We comply with data protection regulations as outlined in the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Implementation, Dissemination, and Review Strategies

This policy will be implemented through:

  • Training: Regular safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.

  • Dissemination: Providing all staff, volunteers, and child authors’ families with access to this policy.

  • Review: The policy will be reviewed annually by Nicola J Rowley to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Supporting Documents and Support

Supporting documents and resources include:

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Board Guidelines

  • NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Resources

  • Childline Contact Information

For support, contact:

  • Nicola J Rowley, Safeguarding Officer

  • Email: hello@rainbowhousepublishing.com

  • Phone: 07932 656685

Social Media Usage and Launch Events

Child authors' images and personal information will only be shared on social media or used in promotional materials with the explicit written consent of the child’s parent, guardian, or caregiver. We will also seek parental permission for the child’s participation in any book launch events.

Conclusion

Rainbow House Publishing Limited is dedicated to safeguarding all child authors and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for their creative work. We expect all individuals involved with Rainbow House Publishing Limited to uphold these safeguarding standards and prioritize the welfare of every child.

Policy Author: Nicola J Rowley, Safeguarding Officer
Date: 7th July 2024
Review Date: 7th July 2025

For more information, visit www.rainbowhousepublishing.com.