Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of a child under the age of 18 for sexual purposes.

CSE can occur in person or online and may involve:

• Grooming through friendship or relationships.
• Manipulation or coercion.
• Gifts, money, attention or promises being offered in exchange for sexual activity.
• Pressure through social media, messaging apps or gaming platforms.
• Threats, intimidation or violence.

Children may not recognise that they are being exploited and may believe they are in a genuine relationship.

Signs of Possible CSE

Possible indicators include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or personality.
• Increased secrecy around online activity.
• Receiving gifts, money or items without explanation.
• Having contact with older individuals.
• Changes in friendship groups.
• Declining school attendance or engagement.
• Emotional wellbeing concerns.
• Risk-taking behaviours.
• Unexplained injuries or signs of distress.

No single sign proves exploitation is taking place, but concerns will always be taken seriously.

Online Exploitation

Many cases of child sexual exploitation begin online.

Children may be targeted through:

• Social media platforms.
• Online games.
• Messaging applications.
• Live-streaming services.
• Chat rooms and online forums.

We teach children how to:

• Keep personal information private.
• Identify risky online behaviour.
• Report concerns to trusted adults.
• Block and report inappropriate contact.
• Stay safe when using technology.

What Parents Can Do

Parents and carers can help protect children by:

• Talking openly about online safety.
• Monitoring age-appropriate internet use.
• Knowing who children communicate with online.
• Encouraging children to speak about anything that worries them.
• Reporting concerns to school promptly.

Strong home-school partnerships are essential in helping children stay safe.

How We Respond to Concerns

Any concerns relating to FGM, CSE or any other safeguarding matter are:

1. Taken seriously.
2. Reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Recorded in line with safeguarding procedures.
4. Referred to external agencies where necessary.
5. Managed sensitively and appropriately to protect the child.

Children's safety will always be our primary concern.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mr Cassem
Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
Please contact the school office for details of the current safeguarding team.

If you have any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school immediately.

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Further Support and Information

Useful organisations and guidance include:

• NSPCC
• Childline
• Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP)
• GOV.UK Safeguarding Guidance
• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command).