“Any incidence of sexual harassment or assault is abhorrent. No child should fear going to school, and it is right that work is being undertaken immediately to consider how schools are working to keep children safe, as well as to give children a safe place to receive support and advice.”
Responding to the launch of an Ofsted review into school safeguarding policies to support victims of sexual abuse and the establishment of a dedicated helpline, Baroness Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Any incidence of sexual harassment or assault is abhorrent. No child should fear going to school, and it is right that work is being undertaken immediately to consider how schools are working to keep children safe, as well as to give children a safe place to receive support and advice.
“Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility, and local safeguarding partnerships, including councils, health providers and the police along with schools will also want to consider local policies and approaches.
“The introduction of compulsory relationships and sex education will be a positive step in ensuring young people understand what healthy relationships look like, and the importance of consent, respect and privacy. With pressure on teaching time following repeated lockdowns, it will be important to ensure time is protected for these important lessons.”