\n<\/p>\n
“James manipulated her victims with calculated precision, exploiting her position of authority to isolate them and normalise the abuse,” she added.<\/p>\n
“This was not a lapse in judgement; it was a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour against children in her care.”<\/p>\n
A spokesperson from the NSPCC said James had “exploited” a “position of trust” where she was supposed to “support, protect and educate those in her professional care”. <\/p>\n
“When someone in authority abuses a trusted relationship, young people can find it particularly difficult to recognise what is happening or to speak out about it, and it can have a profound and lasting impact on their wellbeing,” they added. <\/p>\n
A spokesperson from Hardenhuish School said they “commend” the courage of the young people who came forward to give evidence in the case.<\/p>\n
“The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is, and always will be, our highest priority,” they said.<\/p>\n
They added that safeguarding arrangements are regularly reviewed and recruitment processes are in line with government guidance.<\/p>\n
“We continue to work closely with Wiltshire Council and other safeguarding partners to ensure that the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained across the school.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n