Sexual abuse toolkit: what to do if you are concerned about a child
Consultation service
The purpose of the Consultation Hub is for schools to be able to seek advice when they have a potential safeguarding concern for a child, if you are not clear of the next steps that need to be taken to ensure the appropriate support is provided.
The Hub is also able to offer advice and guidance around Early Help Services and intervention. There is an expectation that prior to contacting the Hub, Schools will have:
- checked the Continuum of Need
- have required child details
- obtained the voice of the child
- spoken to parents unless doing so will place the child at increased risk of harm.
You will be responsible for your own recording and progression of the advice given to you.
NB records may be shared with parent/carers if a Subject Access request is received – subject to safeguarding considerations.
Consultation Hub phone number is : 01438 737511
If it is agreed that a case needs to progress to a safeguarding referral and is deemed urgent, schools should be advised to end the call and redial 0300 123 4043 to make a referral.
If the referral is not urgent, schools should be advised to complete an online Child Protection Referral form.
Child Protection: Consultation hub
LADO advice line (only for when you are not sure if a concern meets the threshold)
Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service
The Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service is available to all schools across England.
Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service
The NSPCC defines Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) as “developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour which is displayed by children and young people and which may be harmful or abusive. It can be displayed towards younger children, peers, older children or adults.”
The support service is available for anyone in England working with children and young people, particularly, designated safeguarding leads. The support service can provide initial support and signpost to further resources and advice.
The telephone and email support, which is funded by the Home Office and developed in collaboration with the Department for Education, is available Monday – Friday, 8am to 8pm.
Telephone: 0344 255 0623
Email: hsbs@swgfl.org.uk