News

“The treatment suffered by children in settings operated by the Hesley Group is both unacceptable and deeply distressing."

Tougher powers are needed for councils to oversee and regulate out-of-school settings (OOSS) – including being able to shut down illegal schools – after an independent report commissioned by the Government uncovered major safeguarding concerns. The Department for Education funded a pilot in 16 council areas over an 18-month period into the oversight of OOSS, examining safeguarding risks and existing legal powers available to councils. OOSS is a wide range of provision including uniformed organisations, sports and leisure clubs, supplementary schools, faith-based organisations and arts

“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.”

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the Children’s Commissioner’s report that looks at how effectively existing infrastructure within local authorities is being used to deliver a public health approach to preventing gang involvement and youth violence.

"This funding is good news and will help councils and partner organisations further support child victims of domestic abuse, which can have a long-term and devastating impact on families."

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to The Children’s Society report on exploitation of children through ‘county lines’ drug dealing operations.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the announcement of a new government programme to protect children at risk of exploitation.

"This reinforces the need for new and long-term significant funding for children’s services, which are fast approaching a tipping point and face a funding gap of £3 billion by 2025 just to keep services running at current levels."

Action is urgently needed to make sure children and young people detained in youth offending institutions and secure training centres are safe, council leaders say.