Child Sexual Exploitation
Information for young people about sexual exploitation
Does this sound like anyone you know?
- Having an older boyfriend/girlfriend
- Staying out late or going missing for periods of time
- Being bought nice presents or given food, money, drink, cigarettes or drugs
- Chatting to people online who you don’t know
- Not going to school
- Receiving calls/texts from strangers asking to meet up
- Secretive about where you go and who you see?
- Misusing drugs or alcohol
- Accepting lifts from people you don’t know.
If this sounds like your life, or if you are worried about a friend, you could be at risk of sexual exploitation by older adults. Taking risks is part of growing up, but sometimes young people get out of their depth and need help.
What is sexual exploitation?
Sexual exploitation can involve swapping sexual favours for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and other presents. Or it may be having sex for money with several adults. Young people may feel they must have sex because an adult gives them something, or because they feel threatened or frightened.
Some young people may want to have sex because they think the adult is their boyfriend or girlfriend. In reality they are being used for sex and the boyfriend or girlfriend may pass them on to other people too.
How does it happen?
We know from experience that some adults target young people and draw them into abusive sexual relationships. This is how it works:
- older adults show you a lot of interest to feel special
- sometimes they ask groups of you to come back to their house or parties with other adults, which makes you feel grown up
- you are offered drugs and alcohol, and a place to chill out
- you may get presents like clothes, a mobile phone, or money to buy alcohol and cigarettes
- after the adult has gained your trust
- they will ask for sexual favours for themselves or other people, in return for alcohol, drugs, presents, money – all the things they started giving for free
- they stop being nice and can become threatening or violent.
What can you do?
If you are worried that an adult is trying to abuse you, or worried about a friend, tell someone you can trust.
If you can, talk to your parents, your carer or a close member of your family. Sometimes it is difficult to talk about personal problems like sex. Perhaps you think your parents or carer will be angry or upset, or you will get into trouble with the police.
Even so, it is better to ask for help if you are unhappy about the way you are being treated by an older person.
Is there someone else you could talk to – such as a teacher or someone from your religion or local community? Tell the trusted person about your concerns.
Child sexual exploitation is a crime. The police and social services will act to stop it happening.
Reporting concerns
To report concerns:
- Slough’s One Front Door on 01753 875362
- 101
- Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online
- If someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.
Contacts for advice and support:
- Childline – 0800 1111.
- NSPCC 24 hour child protection helpline – 0808 800 5000.
Do staff receive adequate training?
All staff, volunteers and governors undertake annual training so they are aware of school protocol, policies and procedures. This means staff know what to look out for to spot and recognise signs of abuse. Listening is an important skill in order to keep children safe and staff are able to listen carefully. Regular refresher training, helps staff to keep up to date with the latest information. As a supportive community, children know to share any concerns with staff. Parents and carers are welcome to read our policy, which is available on our website or via the school office.
Does KPS share information with other professionals?
The best interests of the children will always be our priority. As such, there are times we will need to record, monitor and share information with other agencies, such as Social Care or the police. We will share concerns about our pupils with the child’s parents/carers unless we have reason to believe that such a move would not be in the child’s best interest.
What should I do if I am worried?
If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please record your concern, and any observations or conversations heard, and report to one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) as soon as possible the same day. Do NOT conduct your own investigation.
Who is in the Safeguarding Team?
What should I do if I am worried about a member of staff?
If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff then you should report this to Pavin Dhaliwal, Headteacher.
If the concern relates to the Headteacher, concerns should be reported to Gurminder Singh or Jujhar Singh, co-chairs of the Trust.
If you are still concerned, further advice is available from:
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Childline: 0800 1111
Slough Emergency Team: 01753 875362
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Mental Health
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Welcome to our new Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB) page. We consider the emotional health and wellbeing of our children, staff and parents to be of paramount importance. As a result, we have set up an area dedicated entirely to this worthwhile cause.
Who can I get help from?
We all have bad days, and need someone to talk to. Friends, family and teachers are great to talk to when feeling worried, stressed or even when you just want to talk to someone. At Khalsa Primary school we are committed to help and support your well-being; we as a listening ear are there for you!
Parents and Carers also play a vital role in ensuring that their child’s mental health and wellbeing needs are met. If you’re feeling sad, angry, worried and want to talk about it or just have someone listen to you without any judgment-keep us informed of any specific needs or any support required, we can help.
On this page you will find links and information covering a wide range of MHWB topics and we hope you find them to be useful.
There are many charities and organisations working in the field of mental health which could provide you with support and you can access a range of issues.