ips, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (as amended) 5 Independent Training Providers. For colleges, the guidance relates to their responsibilities towards children who are receiving education or training at these institutions. Victims and alleged perpetrator(s) For the purposes of this guidance, we, in places, use the term ‘victim’. It is a widely recognised and understood term. It is important that schools and colleges recognise that not everyone who has been subjected to abuse considers themselves a victim or would want to be described in this way. Ultimately, schools and colleges should be conscious of this when managing any incident and be prepared to use any term with which the child is most comfortable. For the purpose of this guidance, we, in places, use the term ‘alleged perpetrator(s)’ and where appropriate ‘perpetrator(s)’. These are widely used and recognised terms and the most appropriate to aid effective drafting of guidance. However, schools and colleges should think very carefully about terminology, especially when speaking in front of children, not least because in some cases the abusive behaviour will have been harmful to the perpetrator as well. As above, the use of appropriate terminology will be for schools and colleges to determine, as appropriate, on a case-by-case basis. Who this guidance is for This statutory guidance should be read and followed by: • governing bodies of maintained schools (including maintained nursery schools) and colleges which includes providers of post-16 Education as set out in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (as amended): 16-19 Academies, Special Post-16 institutions and Independent Training Providers • proprietors of independent schools (including academies, free schools and alternative pro