Author: Zoe Walters

Direct and Indirect Disclosure & initial response
This could come any source and including overhearing conversations, anonymous reports, observations. The reported behaviour could be onsite, off site or online.

Managing a Disclosure and Supporting the Victim
Do not promise confidentiality and explain why Protocol on Sharing Information in Order to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children
Recognise that the child is likely to disclose to somebody they trust. This could be any member of school/college staff.
Listen carefully, do not judge, ask open questions (TED Questions) and be clear about how the disclosure will be progressed.
Ensure the disclosure is recorded, only records facts as the child presents them.
If the DSL is not available, speak to the Deputy DSL. If they are not available then you should take immediate action and follow this guidance.
Where the report includes on an online element, be aware of the Searching, Screening and Confiscation Guidance and Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) Guidance for schools and colleges. Guidance can be found via the LSCP Sending and Sharing of Nude Images in Schools & Colleges Pathway
and confiscation advice (for schools)
and UKCCIS sexting advice (for schools and colleges).

Considerations
Please see the LSCP Sending and Sharing of Nude Images in Schools and Colleges Pathway and Annexs A and C
The wishes of the victim in terms of how they want to proceed.
The nature of the alleged incident(s) including: potential crime(s)/sexually harmful behaviour(s)
Consideration of siblings/other children who may be at risk within the alleged perpetrators family/social context
The ages of those children involved.
The age, developmental stages of the children involved and any special educational needs
Capacity to Consent
Any power imbalances between the children.
Is the incident alleged/one off/pattern of abuse.
Have you called the Customer Service Centre (CSC) on 01522 782111 for advice/consultation?
Are there any ongoing risk to the victim, other children, adult students or staff
Other related issues and wider context (contextual safeguarding)

Immediate Actions
Where there is an immediate significant risk to the child an immediate referral must be made to the Police/Children's Services. If the behaviour is a sexual offence or crime this must be reported to the Police and a referral made to Children’s Services .Safeguarding Referrals Procedure
Where there are repeated incidents of concern and/or patterns of behaviour consultation must be undertaken with the CSC.
The DSL should make use of the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool (Brook) ** and Annex A

Risk and Needs Assessment: on a Case by Case Basis—any reports of sexual violence require an immediate assessment
Where the report is related to sexual harassment the risk and needs assessment should consider:: the victim, especially their protection and support; , whether there may have been other victims, the alleged perpetrator(s); and all the other children (and, if appropriate, adult students and staff) (See Annex D)
See Annex C and D
To

Safeguarding and Support:
This should consider the victim(s), the alleged perpetrator(s) and other children/young people (adult student and staff if applicable). This should be undertaken on a case by case basis with an individualised approach. Children and Young People should be given the option for a person that they trust to act as their advocate. Further information and guidance can be found via:
Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges.pdf
Victim Lincs – Mon– Fri 8am-4pm: 01522 947510 or out of hours: 0908 1689 111
National Youth Advocacy Service and VoiceAbility | Lincolnshire

Disciplinary Measures Taken
Schools should make use of their relevant policies– anti bullying/behaviour. A proportionate response is required on a case by case basis. Any actions must not undermine any ongoing Police investigations. Schools/Colleges should continue to work closely with the Police and other agencies.

Ongoing Response
Update risk and needs assessment.
Continue to safeguard and support the victim(s) and the perpetrator(s)/alleged perpetrator(s).
Pg. 71 Keeping Children safe in Education

The criminal process ends
For all outcomes- update the risk and needs assessment.
Conviction or caution– Consider suitable action in light of behaviour policy. Set clear expectations regarding the perpetrator(s). Safeguard and support the victim(s).
Not Guilty/No further Action– support the victim(s) and alleged perpetrator(s).

Based on *DfE Keeping children safe in education , and **Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool 1
(Brook)

Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment in Schools/Colleges Pathway* (v1.3)
)

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