Risk assessment and safety planning & support

88. We take the view that child-on-child abuse does happen even if it is not reported. Therefore, on the advice of the TWSP and Farrer & Co we have implemented a risk and needs assessment to help to minimise the risk of child-on-child abuse.

89. As per the advice of TWSP we refer to safety planning and support which is used for individual children in response to an alleged or actual incident child-on-child abuse, including sexual violence and where appropriate, incidents of sexual harassment.

90. When there has been a report of sexual violence, the DSL (or a deputy) will implement an immediate safety and support plan to identify risk and need. Where there has been a report of sexual harassment, the need for a safety and support plan will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but as good practice should be completed.

91. Our risk and needs assessment will consider:

• the victim, especially their protection and support;
• whether there may have been other victims;
• the alleged perpetrator(s);
• all the other children, (and, if appropriate, adult students and staff) at the school or college, especially any actions that are appropriate to protect them from the alleged perpetrator(s), or from future harms, and
• the time and location of the incident, and any action required to make the location safer.

92. If any of the children involved has SEND, the DSL will liaise with the SENDCO to assist in the management of the report. If the report involves an online safety element, the DSL will liaise with the DSL as the online safety lead.

93. Safety and support plans must be recorded (written or electronic) and will be kept under review. At all times, we will be actively considering the risks posed to all of our pupils and students and put adequate measures in place to protect them and keep them safe. Safety and support planning will involve relevant pupils, parents and professionals.

94. The DSL (or a deputy) will engage with children’s social care and specialist services as required. Where there has been a report of sexual violence, it is likely that professional safety and support plans by social workers and or sexual violence specialists will be required. Our safety and support plan is not intended to replace the detailed assessments of expert professionals. Any such professional assessments will be used to inform our approach to supporting and protecting our pupils and students and updating our own risk assessment.