Safeguarding

Moor Hey Safeguarding Leads 

Mrs Padgeon DSL

Miss Elliott - Back up DSL

Mrs Beaghan 

Child Criminal Exploitation

Child criminal exploitation is defined as a form of abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into taking part in criminal activity, for any of the following reasons:

• In exchange for something the victim needs or wants
• For the financial advantage or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator
• Through violence or the threat of violence (this could be online or through technology)

Specific forms of CCE can include:

• Being forced or manipulated into transporting drugs or money through county lines.
• Working in cannabis factories.
• Shoplifting or pickpocketing.
• Committing vehicle crime.
• Committing, or threatening to commit, serious violence to others.

Moor Hey School recognise that pupils involved in CCE are victims themselves, regardless of whether they have committed crimes, and even if the criminal activity appears consensual.

Moor Hey School will also recognise that pupils of any gender are at risk of CCE.

Staff will be aware of the indicators that a pupil is the victim of CCE, including:

• Associating with other children involved in exploitation
• Suffering from changes in emotional wellbeing
• Misusing drugs or alcohol
• Going missing for periods of time or regularly coming home late
• Regularly missing school or education
• Appearing with unexplained gifts, money or new possessions.

Criminal exploitation of children can include County Lines. This is a geographically widespread form of harm that is a typical feature of county lines criminal activity: drug networks or criminal networks / gangs groom and exploit children and young people to carry drugs and money into one or more areas. Key to identifying potential involvement in county lines are missing episodes, when the victim may have been trafficked or the purpose of transporting drugs.

As well as the general indicators for CCE, school staff will be aware of the specific indicators that a pupil may be involved in county lines, including:

• Going missing and subsequently being found in areas away from their home.
• Having been the victim or perpetrator of serious violence, e.g. knife crime.
• Receiving requests for drugs via a phone line, moving drugs, collecting money
• Being found in accommodation they have no connection
• Owing a ‘debt bond’ to their exploiters
• Having their bank account used to facilitate drug dealing.

If you are concerned your child maybe being criminally exploited or recognise any of the above signs, then please inform one of our DSL’s who will offer support and advice. Early recognition and sharing intelligence is key to accessing the right support.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is defined as a form of sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity, for any of the following reasons:

• In exchange for something the victim needs or wants
• For the financial advantage, increased status or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator
• Through violence or the threat of violence, this could be online or through technology.

Staff at Moor Hey School recognise that CSE can occur over time or be a one-off occurrence, and may happen without the pupil’s immediate knowledge, e.g. through others sharing videos or images of them on social media. Moor Hey school will recognise that CSE can affect any pupil who has been coerced into engaging in sexual activities, even if the activity appears consensual; this includes pupils aged 16 and above who can legally consent to sexual activity. Moor Hey school will also recognise that pupils may not realise they are being exploited and they believe they are in a genuine romantic relationship.

Staff will be aware of the key indicators that a pupil is the victim of CSE, including:

• Appearing with unexplained gifts, money or new possessions.
• Associating with other children involved in exploitation.
• Suffering from changes in emotional wellbeing.
• Misusing drugs or alcohol.
• Going missing for periods of time or regularly coming home late.
• Regularly missing school or education or not taking part.
• Having older boyfriends or girlfriends.
• Suffering from sexually transmitted infections.
• Displaying sexual behaviours beyond expected sexual development.
• Becoming pregnant.

Where CSE, or the risk of it, is suspected, staff will discuss the case with the DSL. If after discussion a concern remains, local safeguarding procedures will be triggered.

If you have any concerns relating to CSE, please contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads at Moor Hey and they will be happy to offer advice and support.

Prevent Duty Statement

Moor Hey  School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our learners. We recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All our staff, pupils and visitors are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of human rights and British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Staff at Moor Hey School have completed WRAP training and senior staff have completed additional Channel training. We are vigilant about radicalisation and extremism, maintaining an ‘it could happen here’ mindset and working alongside each other and external agencies to ensure that our pupils are safe from harm.

For further information about the Prevent Duty please visit www.gov.uk