Harmful Sexual Behaviours Statement

It is natural for children to be curious about their bodies and their sexuality. Most sexual behaviours are typical and developmentally appropriate.They can be described as: Spontaneous, curious, light-hearted, easily diverted, enjoyable, mutual and consensual, appropriate to the child’s age and development and include activities or play amongst equals in terms of age, size and ability levels.

These behaviours provide opportunities to talk, explain and provide support. Sexual behaviours can be concerning or harmful if they do not align with the description above. At our school we use the Brooks Traffic Light tool to make sure we respond appropriately to sexual behaviours and will always contact parents and carers if their child is involved.

Harmful Sexual Behaviours can occur between two children of any age and sex from primary through to secondary stage and into colleges. It can occur through a group of children sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single child or group of children. 

Sexual violence and sexual harassment exist on a continuum and may overlap; they can occur online and face to face (both physically and verbally) and are never acceptable. As set out in Part one of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), all staff working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’.

Sexual harassment creates an atmosphere that, if not challenged, can normalise inappropriate behaviours and provide an environment that may lead to sexual violence.

Responding to incidents of Child - on - Child abuse and sexual harassment

At our school we never pass an incident off as "banter", "part of growing up" or "having a laugh" even if the victim says that they don't mind. We recognise the gendered nature of peer-on-peer abuse (that girls are more likely to be victims and boys more likely to be perpetrators), but that all forms are unacceptable and will be taken seriously. We understand that child perpetrators of sexual harassment are likely to have experienced or witnessed harm or inappropriate behaviour themselves and may need support beyond the school's Behaviour Policy.

• All incidents of child on child sexual harassment are treated as a safeguarding concern and safeguarding procedures will be followed

• All incidents of peer-on-peer abuse and sexual harassment, inline with our Behaviour Policy, Anti-bullying Policy and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy are reported through CPOMS

• All pupils are taught about consent in line with the National Curriculum

• Staff receive additional training regarding Harmful Sexual behaviours through Brookes and are trained to use the Brookes Traffic Light Tool.