Schools play an essential role in protecting children from abuse. Staff have close, regular contact with children and young people. They're in a strong position to:
Schools have a statutory duty to protect children in their care.
They must have:
The school environment must be a safe place for children. And schools must ensure that adults who work in the school, including volunteers, don't pose a risk to children.
Staff should receive training in how to identify and respond to child protection concerns.
The Designated lead for Safeguarding at Goldenhill Primary Academy is: Mr. Andrew Bagley (Head of School)
The Deputy Designated leads for Safeguarding at Goldenhill Primary Academy is: Mr. Steven Martin (Head Teacher), Miss. Emma Pitt (Deputy Head Teacher) and Miss Tiffany Woodward (SENCO).
The link governor for Safeguarding at Goldenhill Primary Academy is: Mr. Angela Bradshaw (Chair of governors)
Child‑on‑child abuse can happen in any setting where children spend time, including online spaces and areas outside school. Because it is not always visible, it is essential that staff are trained to recognise the signs early and know how to respond in a way that keeps children safe.
Schools follow detailed Department for Education guidance on responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence, which builds on the statutory requirements in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). All staff at Ash Green are trained in this guidance and understand how to apply it in practice. Our policies make clear that child‑on‑child abuse will never be accepted, minimised or dismissed as “children being children”.
Staff know how to report concerns, who to speak to, and what action to take to ensure children are protected.
Child‑on‑child abuse refers to situations where one child causes harm to another. It can take many forms, including:
These definitions are set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Child‑on‑child sexual abuse can include:
Sexual violence includes:
Sexual harassment refers to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This may include:
All staff maintain an attitude of “it could happen here”. They challenge inappropriate behaviour early to prevent escalation and take all reports seriously.
Training is regularly updated and ensures staff understand:
Staff understand that even if no cases have been reported, this does not mean it is not happening.
Any concerns or allegations of child‑on‑child abuse are managed in line with our Safeguarding Policy and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. We act quickly to ensure children are safe and supported.
Our PSHE and RSE curriculum teaches children, in an age‑appropriate and inclusive way, about:
We also use high‑quality resources such as NSPCC materials and the Speak Out Stay Safe programme.
We have clear, child‑friendly systems to help pupils report worries or concerns. These include:
Children know they will be listened to, taken seriously and supported. They also understand how reports are handled and who they can talk to if they are worried about themselves or a friend.
Child‑on‑child abuse can be linked to factors outside school. We consider the wider context of children’s lives and work closely with external agencies when needed, including:
This helps us understand the challenges children may face and ensures they receive the right support.
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment where all children feel able to speak up, seek help and know they will be protected. Preventing and responding to child‑on‑child abuse is a whole‑school responsibility, and we take this duty extremely seriously.
NSPCC helpline:
0808 800 5000
help@nspcc.org.uk
nspcc.org.uk/helpline