KCSIE 2026 paragraph 28 sets out what sexual abuse covers. Contact abuse includes penetration (such as rape or assault by penetration) and non-penetrative acts such as kissing, rubbing or touching over clothing. Non-contact abuse includes making a child look at or take part in producing sexual images, watch sexual activity or behave in sexually inappropriate ways, and grooming a child in preparation for abuse. KCSIE 2026 expanded the examples of physical contact.
Some points staff often get wrong:
- It is not only adult men who sexually abuse. Women and other children can too.
- Children are more likely to know their abuser than not.
- A child under 13 can never consent to sexual activity, and sexual activity with a child under 16 is an offence even if they agreed.
- It can happen wholly online, and technology can be used to set up abuse offline.
Sexual abuse of children by other children is a specific issue in schools. KCSIE Part five covers how to respond to harmful sexual behaviour, sexual harassment and sexual violence. Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse.
Any concern goes to the DSL straight away. Staff should write down exactly what the child said and not ask leading questions.