At Highfield, we want every child to feel safe, supported and able to seek help when needed. Some risks involve people trying to influence, pressure or take advantage of children in harmful ways. This page brings together key information for parents and carers about four important areas:

• Child Exploitation (CSE)
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Forced Marriage
• Prevent Duty / Extremism & Radicalisation

Child Exploitation (CSE)

Child Exploitation involves someone taking advantage of a young person for their own benefit. This may include pressuring, manipulating or encouraging a child into unsafe or inappropriate situations, often using attention, gifts, threats, or online communication to build trust.

Possible signs a child may be at risk:

• Becoming withdrawn or secretive
• Changes in mood or friendships
• Receiving unexplained gifts or money
• Spending time with older individuals
• Talking online with people they don’t know in real life
• Feeling pressured to share personal information, images or videos

What Highfield does:

• Raises awareness through age‑appropriate guidance
• Monitors concerns and follows local safeguarding procedures
• Works with parents, carers and external agencies when needed

If you are ever worried about a child, please speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM refers to procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital areas for non‑medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and considered a form of significant harm.
Schools have a duty to safeguard pupils who may be at risk.

Indicators or concerns may include:

• Conversations about “special ceremonies” or “preparation for womanhood”
• Extended holidays to certain countries
• Child expressing worry about travel or upcoming events
• Difficulty sitting, walking or attending PE after travel

If staff believe a child may be at risk, concerns are reported immediately following national and local safeguarding policies.

Forced Marriage

A forced marriage happens when someone faces pressure, threats or harm to make them marry against their will. This is illegal in the UK and children cannot consent to marriage under any circumstances.

Possible warning signs include:

• A child speaking about family pressure regarding relationships or marriage
• Sudden plans for long trips abroad
• Restrictions on friendships or activities
• Expressions of fear about future expectations

Forced marriage is treated as a safeguarding concern, and school staff must act if they believe a pupil may be at risk.

Prevent Duty (Protecting Children from Extremism & Radicalisation)

Schools have a responsibility under the Prevent Duty to help stop children being drawn into extremist ideas, groups or behaviour.
This does not involve surveillance — it is about early support, open conversations and building resilience.

Highfield aims to:

• Promote respect, tolerance and critical thinking
• Equip pupils to recognise unsafe influences
• Provide support if a child expresses concerning views or is being influenced by others
• Work with trusted local agencies when needed

Possible signs a child may need support:

• Fixation with extremist content or groups
• Sudden strong opinions that appear influenced by others
• Use of language or ideas that cause concern
• Wanting to isolate from peers or family

Again, these are signs to look for — not automatic indicators.

What to do if you’re worried about any of the above

If you have ANY concern about a child — even if you are unsure — please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads as soon as possible.

Highfield will always:

• Listen without judgement
• Act in line with local safeguarding procedures
• Work with parents unless doing so puts a child at further risk
• Contact external services when required

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.