Scout Hall Pre-School Limited

Child on Child Abuse Policy

Scout Hall Pre-School Ltd works in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2022, which states that
policies should make provision for dealing with Child on Child abuse.

All staff should be aware that it is possible that children can abuse other children, both inside and outside of the
setting, or online.

It is important that all staff recognise the indicators and signs of Child on Child abuse and know how to identify it and
respond to it. It is essential that all staff understand the importance of challenging inappropriate behaviours
between peers, many of which are listed below, that are actually abusive in nature. Downplaying certain behaviours,
for example dismissing sexual harassment as “just banter”, “just having a laugh”, “part of growing up” or “boys being
boys” can lead to a culture of unacceptable behaviours, an unsafe environment for children and in worst case
scenarios a culture that normalises abuse leading to children accepting it as normal and not coming forward to
report it. Child on Child abuse is most likely to include, but may not be limited to:

 Physical Abuse (e.g. biting, hitting, kicking etc) – there may be many reasons why young children harm their
peers, including accidently, and it is important to consider the reason before deciding the action to be taken
 Sexually harmful behaviour (e.g. sexually inappropriate language, touching etc) – sexually harmful
behaviour from young children is not often contrived or with intent to harm.
 Prejudiced Behaviour – to do with prejudices around disabilities, ethnic cultural and religious backgrounds,
gender, home life (in relation to issues of care, parental occupation, poverty and social class) or sexual
identity) – this can refer to a range of hurtful behaviour, physically or emotionally or both, which causes
someone to feel powerless, worthless, excluded or marginalised.

Simple steps taken by staff can help to clarify the situation and establish the facts before deciding on the
consequences. It is important to deal with a case of peer abuse immediately and sensitively. Staff should ask the
child to tell them what happened and then consider the intent (if any intent is believed).

Once information is gathered, if the staff member feels that a child is at risk of harm, a safeguarding referral must be
made and staff should speak with their Designated Safeguarding Lead (or deputy).

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will then follow the Safeguarding policy and procedures for the setting. Support
and advice may be sought from Children’s Social Care 0300 555 1384.

If parents are to be informed, they may be advised over the telephone, or face to face when their child is collected.

Points to Consider – What is the age of the child concerned? For example, children aged 1-4 who are exploring
toileting skills may show a particular interest in exploration, however this should not be overlooked if other issues
arise, i.e. where did the incident occur, was the incident observed, is the incident regular or repetitive?

Preventative Strategies – it is important to develop appropriate strategies in order to prevent child on child abuse
rather than manage issues reactively. This is achieved through strategies such as storytelling and positive role
modelling (manners and respect).

Scout Hall Pre-School Limited Policy Reviewed 12/09/2022