Confidential Self-Declaration form

This form is for use by Lead and Assistant Writers as part of our safeguarding procedures. You can find details of our Child Protection Policy here.

The form will only be sent to Jonathan Davidson, our Child Protection Officer.

Dear Lead and Assistant writers

This Confidential Declaration Form applies to paid lead writers and volunteer assistant writers who are likely to be in regular contact with children. This form is strictly confidential and, except under compulsion of law, will be seen only by those responsible for the appointment and, when appropriate the relevant safeguarding bodies. All forms will be kept securely under the terms of the Data Protection act 1998.

Note One

1. www.gov.uk/dbs search for ‘filtering guidance’ and / or ‘rehabilitation of offenders act’

Note Two

2. Declare all that are not subject to DBS filtering rules (see note 1) including any equivalents obtained abroad except technical motoring offences leading only to a fine and no driving licence endorsements. If you are unsure how to respond you should seek independent advice.

Note Three

3. Significant harm involves serious ill-treatment of any kind including neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or impairment of physical or mental health development. It will also include matters such as a sexual relationship with a young person or adult for whom you had pastoral responsibility or were in a position of trust.

Get Writing

If you’d like to submit a piece of your writing for possible inclusion in the magazine, please see the Get Involved page to see more details. This magazine is published online three times a year: summer (June/July), winter (October-December) and spring (February-April) terms.

Our Spark Young Writers groups for September 2024-June 2025 are now available to book.

For any existing Sparks members wishing to re-enrol, please check your email.

Submissions for the 30th anniversary edition of the Spark Young Writers Magazine are now CLOSED. Keep an eye out for it’s release!

Submit to our 2025 printed Anthology here.

Full details of all Spark Anthologies can be found here.

 Check out all our ideas for writing prompts at our Get Writing tab. 

A wide selection of images, videos and Funsheets for young writers to complete.