Paparoa Street School
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If ākonga sexual behaviour is concerning or harmful or there are ākonga incidents of sexual harassment or violence, Paparoa Street School follows the processes below.
Support for those with concerning behaviour
Kaimahi who have concerns about ākonga sexual behaviour or deal with a sexual behaviour incident report to the designated child protection person. At Paparoa Street School, this person is the tumuaki. The designated child protection person discusses any concerns and intended actions with relevant kaimahi as appropriate. We seek external advice if needed, and may make an external referral.
We may seek advice from a range of sources, including:
The kura works with the ākonga, parents/caregivers, and external agencies as required to support the ākonga and ensure the safety of others at the kura. If appropriate, we implement a behaviour support or safety plan, which may include monitoring the ākonga.
If we suspect abuse or neglect, we follow our Abuse Recognition and Reporting process.
Support for affected ākonga
We recognise the significant impact that concerning or harmful sexual behaviour can have on other ākonga. If an ākonga is affected by the sexual behaviour of another ākonga, including through sexual harassment or violence, the kura works with the affected ākonga and their family/whānau (as appropriate) to investigate the incident.
Ākonga are encouraged to speak with a kaimahi they trust about any incidents or concerns. Kaimahi who receive information about ākonga concerns, or reports of sexual harassment and violence, are expected to receive disclosures as outlined in Abuse Recognition and Reporting. This includes reporting to the designated child protection person, who leads the kura response.
It may be necessary to implement the crisis management plan and/or involve the police, Oranga Tamariki, and the Ministry's Traumatic Incident Team.
We make every effort to create a safe environment to support any affected ākonga, including take appropriate actions to prevent further harm. Also see our Bullying and Harassment and Stand-down, Suspension, and Exclusion policies.
We also offer support to affected kaimahi. See Kaimahi Wellbeing and Safety.
For ākonga disclosures of sexual harassment or violence by a kaimahi, or someone not connected with the kura, see Abuse Recognition and Reporting.
Recording and reporting
Any concerning sexual behaviour, sexual behaviour incident, or disclosure is recorded, detailing what happened or was said, and who was present. Follow-up actions, including discussions between Paparoa Street School kaimahi, contact with parents/caregivers or external agencies, and plans for action are also recorded. Our Privacy Policy applies at all times.
Information is only shared with other kaimahi or external agencies if it is in the best interest of ākonga, and we are guided by our Sharing Ākonga Personal Information with External Agencies procedures. We communicate with parents/caregivers as appropriate and the police as necessary.
The poari matua is informed of any concerns or incidents that may create an unsafe physical or emotional environment, and any cases where the media might become involved.
