Within this Professional Learning, we look at three key aspects, Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Abuse, Identifying and Responding to Sexual Behaviours and Grooming.
All registered teachers and Boarding Supervisors must report to the Mandatory Reporting Service of DC-CPFS if they, in the course of their work, form a belief based on reasonable grounds that a child is being or has been sexually abused. This session unpacks what this means in practical terms and ensures that all staff are confident with the process of Mandatory Reporting, the indicators that might lead to a Report being made and what further actions the school can take. All teachers, Boarding Supervisors and other staff, including chaplains, counsellors, psychologists, education assistants and support staff, are strongly encouraged to attend.
In the PL there is discussion on how to identify and respond to sexual behaviours in children and young people. When children and young people display sexual behaviour which increases their vulnerability or causes harm to another, adults have a responsibility to take action to provide support and protection.
Another focus is based on recognising and responding to grooming with links to the Staff Code of Conduct. Children and young people can be groomed online or face to face, by a stranger or by someone they know e.g. a family member, friend or professional. Groomers may be male or female and can be any age. Many children and young people don't understand that they have been groomed or that what has happened is abuse.
Due to the subject matter, children (under 18 years) are not permitted to attend.