Safeguarding

Last updated: 2026-04-12

Story Seeds is a Community Interest Company that donates books, games, and writing-competition prizes to primary schools in Somerset. Because our work benefits children, safeguarding is central to how we operate.

How we deliver

Books and games are sent by post or courier, or dropped at a school’s reception. Deliveries never go directly to children. Schools distribute materials themselves, through their own established processes.

In-person contact

On rare occasions we attend a school in person, usually for creative-writing competition award visits. These visits are always accompanied by school staff. We are never alone with a child or group of children.

DBS checks and qualifications

Ella Ryan is a qualified teacher with SEN experience and holds an enhanced DBS certificate (DBS+). Her certificate can be shared with schools and councils on request as part of an approved-providers process. Ella leads any activity involving direct contact with children.

Materials

All books, games, and prizes are age-appropriate for the primary age range (4 to 11). Content is reviewed before donation. We work with independent authors and established publishers. We do not accept unsolicited donations without prior discussion.

Raising a concern

If you are a teacher, parent, or member of the public and would like to raise a safeguarding concern relating to Story Seeds, please email [email protected] in the first instance. For concerns about a child’s immediate welfare, contact the school, Somerset Children’s Social Care, or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Governance

Story Seeds Somerset CIC is registered at Companies House (No. 15451729). We intend to convert to a registered charity as the organisation scales, at which point safeguarding will fall under Charity Commission oversight as well.