- 10.6 What should you do if you suspect either that a child may be at risk of or experiencing abuse by another child, or that a child may be at risk of abusing or may be abusing another child?

If a colleague thinks for whatever reason that a pupil may be at risk of or experiencing abuse By a child (ren), or that a pupil may be at risk of abusing or may be abusing a child (ren), they should discuss the matter with their DSL as soon as possible to explain their concern and register a note of concern on the internal referral system EduKey. Where a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer from harm, it is important that a referral to children’s social care (and, if appropriate, the police) is made immediately. Anyone can make a referral. Where referrals are not made by the DSL, the DSL should be informed as soon as possible that a referral has been made in line with the Safeguarding and Child protection policy.

If a pupil speaks to a member of staff about child-on-child abuse that they have witnessed or are a part of, the member of staff should listen to the pupil and use open language that demonstrates understanding rather than judgement without promising confidentiality. For further details please see the procedures set out in the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy.

- 10.7 How we will respond to concerns or allegations of child-on-child abuse?

The DSL will discuss the concern or allegation with the member of staff who has reported it and will, where necessary, take any immediate steps to ensure the safety of the child/all children affected. Where any concern or allegation indicates that indecent images of a child or children may have been shared online, the DSL will consider what urgent action can be taken in addition to the actions and referral duties set out in this policy. See the Youth involved sexual imagery section below to seek specialist help in preventing the images spreading further and removing the images from the internet. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has a trained team that can evaluate and remove illegal images from the internet when the images are reported to them quickly. They will also share the image with the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command to facilitate an investigation. Any report to IWF will be made in consultation with the police. DSLs will always use their professional judgement to assess the nature and seriousness of the alleged behaviour and determine whether it is appropriate for the alleged behaviour to be to be dealt with internally and, if so, whether any external specialist support is required.

- 10.8 In borderline cases the DSL may wish to consult with children’s social care or other relevant agencies in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Partnership’s procedures on a no-names basis (where possible) to determine the most appropriate response.

Where the DSL considers or suspects that the alleged behaviour in question might be abusive or violent on a spectrum or where the needs and circumstances of the individual child/children in question might otherwise require it, the DSL should contact children’s social care and/or the police immediately and, in any event, within 24 hours of the DSL becoming aware of the alleged behaviour. The DSL will discuss the concern(s) or allegation(s) with the agency and agree on a course of action. The DSL will always refer to the police if there are aggravating factors:

- ● If the incident involves an adult (over 18).

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