Child Sexual Exploitation
NGHS teaches students about child sexual exploitation (CSE), grooming and healthy relationships through PSHE and our wider safeguarding education. Staff receive safeguarding training to help them recognise possible signs of exploitation and respond to concerns.
Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It happens when someone uses power, manipulation, pressure or deception to involve a child or young person in sexual activity in exchange for something they need or want, or for someone else’s benefit. This may involve gifts, money, accommodation, attention or affection.
Recognising the signs
Possible signs include unexplained gifts or money, changes in friendships, withdrawal from family or usual activities, missing school or going missing from home, and appearing frightened of particular people or places.
These changes do not necessarily mean that a child is being exploited, but they should be taken seriously. If you are worried, listen calmly, reassure your child and seek advice. You do not need to be certain before sharing a concern.
Sharing a concern
If you are concerned that a student may be at risk of child sexual exploitation, please contact the school on 01952 797550 and ask to speak to our designated CSE Lead.
If the CSE Lead is unavailable, please ask to speak to Mrs Hayley Birch, Designated Safeguarding Lead, or a deputy DSL, so that your concern can be addressed promptly.
You can also report concerns directly to children’s social care in the area where the child lives. In Telford and Wrekin, contact Family Connect on 01952 385385. You do not need to wait for a response from school.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police concerns, call 101.
Information and support for parents and carers
Further information about recognising exploitation, supporting your child and reporting concerns is available through the following links:
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All families: NSPCC – Child sexual exploitation
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Shropshire families: Shropshire Council – Child exploitation
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Telford and Wrekin families: Telford & Wrekin Council – Reporting child sexual exploitation concerns
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Staffordshire families: Stafford Borough Council – Child sexual exploitation
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Wolverhampton families: Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together – Exploitation and harm outside the home
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Stoke-on-Trent families: Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding Children Partnership – Advice for parents and carers
We encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about friendships, relationships and online safety, and to contact us whenever they have a concern.
Our CSE Lead at NGHS is Ms Kathryn Houston.
