Ofsted was asked by the government to conduct a review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges. Their findings and recommendations have been published, and a summary of their findings can be read in their press release. The review recommends that “school and college leaders act on the assumption that sexual harassment is affecting their pupils, and take a whole-school approach to addressing these issues, creating a culture where sexual harassment is not tolerated”.
Following the publication of the review, the DfE has announced that it will take forward work to strengthen the Government’s new compulsory Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum (RSHE). School and college leaders will be encouraged to dedicate inset day time to help train staff on how to deliver the RSHE curriculum and on how to deal with sexual abuse and harassment among pupils. It will also introduce strengthened safeguarding guidance to boost teacher confidence in identifying and responding to these issues.