Harmful Sexual Behaviour In Schools Course

Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Schools – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces school staff and related professionals to harmful sexual behaviour among children and young people. It explains how to tell typical sexual development from behaviour that is problematic or harmful, and how to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and report them. The course takes one hour and is CPD accredited.

Please note: this is an introductory, Level 1 course that builds awareness and foundational knowledge. It does not replace any specialist, practical or role-specific safeguarding training an employer may require, or the school’s own safeguarding policies and procedures.

What the course covers
– Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
– Peer-on-peer sexual abuse and Hackett’s Sexual Behaviour Continuum
– Recognising sexualised behaviour and responding appropriately
– Sexual development in children and young people, including typical stages
– Healthy and unhealthy relationships, and starting a conversation about them
– Reporting concerns and your role in safeguarding
– Fostering a safe, supportive and open school culture
– Talking to children about sexual behaviour
– Relationships and sex education in schools
– Sexting and the law
– Supporting children affected by problematic or harmful sexual behaviour
– Risk assessments, referrals and safety planning
– Therapeutic support and techniques in direct work

Who is it for?
The course is written at an introductory level for people working in education settings in the UK. It is appropriate for:
– Teachers and teaching assistants in primary, secondary and further education
– Senior leadership teams and Designated Safeguarding Leads
– Pastoral and support staff, including counsellors and support workers
– School governors
– Youth workers and external educational professionals, such as educational psychologists
– Parents and carers, where the course is suitable

It can be used for induction, refresher training, awareness or to enhance existing knowledge.

Practical benefits
– Understand the difference between typical sexual exploration and harmful behaviour
– Recognise warning signs and indicators of harmful sexual behaviour
– Handle disclosures sensitively and know when to report or refer
– Support the development of safe, respectful school environments
– Strengthen safeguarding awareness across the staff team
– Gain evidence of awareness and knowledge for inductions and refresher training
– Receive a CPD-accredited certificate for professional development

What learners will be able to do
– Explain key principles and terminology relating to harmful sexual behaviour
– Recognise why the subject matters in day-to-day practice
– Identify common risks, concerns and situations linked to the topic
– Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
– Apply good-practice principles in workplace situations
– Communicate effectively with relevant people when concerns arise
– Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied information does not state that this training is a legal requirement. It describes the course as supporting schools’ safeguarding responsibilities and compliance with UK statutory safeguarding requirements, and it explores relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. Senior leaders and Designated Safeguarding Leads are described as having a statutory responsibility to safeguard children. Employers should confirm the safeguarding training their own role and setting require.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed at home for free. A hard copy can also be requested for delivery to a home or work address. Unlimited quiz retakes are included, and the course is allocated instantly after purchase. A complimentary learner management system lets organisations view course progress, quiz results and certification, and a compliance matrix is available to support audits and inspections.