schools and nurseries

Introduction

These guidelines have been developed for Nurseries, Schools and Further Education Colleges by the AIM Project, Carol Carson, Education Leeds and NaSS. The remit of the AIM Project is to explore means of responding consistently and effectively, within Greater Manchester to children and young people who have sexually problematic or abusive behaviours. It aims to ensure that all agencies working with these children and young people have a common understanding of the issues and a consistent and common framework for reporting, planning and assessing the risks that they pose.

The Education Department is an important part of the inter-agency framework, not only in terms of making referrals to  Childrens Services and the Police, but also as part of the assessment and planning process to look at the risks the child or young person may pose to themselves and others in the school setting. Although interviews, core assessments, therapeutic and offence specific work is undertaken by colleagues in other agencies, education staff are important partners in the process.

PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES

To support Education staff working in Nurseries, Schools and Further Education Colleges in idnetifying, evaluating and managing sexually harmful/ problematic behaviours within education settings, and on an inter-agency basis. The guidelines reflect current information from reasearch and practice.

CONTENT

The contents are divided into three sections;

1.Understanding Section

2. Assessment Section

3. Mangement Section

Part One: Work on the whole nursery/ school/ college basis

Part Two: Managemenrt of sexually problematic/ harmful behaviours

Part Three: Risk and Needs Assessments

Part Four: Work with the individual Child or Adolescent

In addition the guide provides resource materials around monitoring and safety and support plans.

FURTHER READING

Included throughout are references to research and practice experience. A separate section on references and additional reading material for those who wish to read further is included.