An immediate review into sexual abuse in schools has been announced by the Department for Education (DfE).
Ofsted will examine safeguarding policies in state and independent schools and “the extent and the severity of the issue”, and ensure pupils can report their concerns.
The review will also consider whether schools are given enough guidance on how to deal with sexual harassment and violence allegations, and whether current inspection systems are strong enough, the DfE said.
A new helpline for potential victims, run by the NSPCC, was also announced by Gavin Williamson, the education secretary.
The number, which goes live on Thursday, will provide advice to children, parents and teachers, the DfE said.
Read more:
- School abuse claims may be ‘tip of the iceberg’, as police warn some crimes possibly covered up
- Elite London school reports pupils to police over sexual assault allegations
- MP says she suffered sexual assault at school as 10,000 report incidents of abuse
It comes after thousands of claims of sexual abuse or harassment were posted anonymously on the Everyone’s Invited website. Many included the names of schools where attacks were said to have happened, or where the alleged perpetrator attended.
Both Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, and Robert Halfon, the Conservative chair of the Commons education committee, had called for the inquiry to take place.
Mr Williamson said: “While the majority of schools take their safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, I am determined to make sure the right resources and processes are in place across the education system to support any victims of abuse to come forward.
“This government is committed to ensuring victims feel supported to refer the most serious allegations to the police via the helpline, safe in the knowledge that everything possible will be done to bring offenders to justice.”
Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said the schools watchdog would set out the terms of the review shortly.
She said: “Like everyone else, I have been deeply troubled by accounts of the sexualabuse and harassment young people have suffered at school and in the community.
“Schools have a crucial role to play in teaching young people about sexual consent and respect for women and girls.
“They must also be places where all children feel safe, and where they are able to report any incidents of abuse or harassment and be confident that what they say will be acted upon.”
NSPCC chief executive officer Sir Peter Wanless said: “This is a watershed moment thanks to those who have found the courage to speak out.”
“At least a third of sexual offences against children are committed by other young people and that must be addressed.
“All children should be able to grow up in a safe community that is free from sexual violence where their rights are respected.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, welcomed the helpline and said: “Robust safeguarding is the number one priority of state and independent schools, and we welcome this review of safeguarding policies in the light of the horrific experiences recorded on the Everyone’s Invited website.”
Additional reporting by PA
