Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
All schools have an important role in addressing this issue through their programmes of PSHE education.
The importance of PSHE education in helping to keep children safe was highlighted in the Ofsted report The sexual exploitation of children: it couldn't happen here, could it? (November 2014).
Lists of available teaching resources can be found here for Wiltshire schools to draw on to supplement their existing programmes. As with all PSHE education resources, it is important that schools select appropriate materials to meet the needs of their pupils and are familiar with the content before use in the classroom.
CSE teaching resources for primary schools (March 2018)
CSE teaching resources for secondary schools (March 2018)
A commitment from senior management and school governors is needed to ensure the issue of CSE is addressed in an appropriate and supportive way. Linking the teaching of PSHE education with relevant school policies, including: relationships and sex education, e-safety, anti-bullying and child protection will help ensure clear links with the whole school ethos.
Key messages about healthy relationships can be taught to all ages to explore topics such as friendships, appropriate touch, keeping safe, consent, recognising and assessing risk and knowing how and where to get help.
A recent Cochrane review found evidence that school-based sexual abuse prevention programmes were effective in increasing participants' skills in protective behaviours and knowledge of sexual abuse prevention concepts. Knowledge gains were not significantly eroded one to six months after the intervention.
School support provided includes training opportunities, links to guidance and a list of useful websites that help support schools address this issue through PSHE education. The Wiltshire Healthy Schools programme asks schools to provide evidence of their teaching about CSE, as part of a wider programme of PSHE.
Training courses, both central and delivered to individual schools and clusters of schools (by request) help schools teach effective RSE, with a focus on protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
Partnership working with organisations including NSPCC, Brook and Big Talk Education has provided a specific focus on keeping children safe from abuse and exploitation.
Wiltshire schools attending past training events have received teaching resources including Growing Up Safe cards (primary) or the Cruel Kindness (secondary) video and teaching resource pack.
Chelsea's Choice
Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB) and Wiltshire Association of Secondary and Special School Headteachers (WASSH) commissioned performances of Chelsea’s Choice for secondary schools during 2015 and 2016. A trailer for the play can be seen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAo8Yly8rFk&feature=youtu.be
The Wiltshire Council website to raise awareness about CSE: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cse
Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable Young People Partnership provide resources to support those who work with young people, including a screening tool and training opportunities relevant to school staff.
www.wiltshirescb.org.uk/child-sexual-exploitation-professionals/
The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): mash@wiltshire.gov.uk 0300 4560108 Out of hours: 0300 456 0100
Wiltshire website for young people http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cse which also includes pages for parents and professionals.
Other useful documents
Barnardo's parent/carer leaflet CSE
Barnardo's young people leaflet CSE
NSPCC Underwear rule and PANTS
NSPCC Underwear rule for children
NSPCC Underwear rule for parents
UK Safer Internet Centre Responding to Sexting
Wiltshire CSE pocket leaflet for young people (2018)
Wiltshire & Swindon Say something CSE cards
Say Something
'Say Something' is a national service for young people to report sexual exploitation (from July 2015)