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Ofsted’s review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges: CASPAR briefing

Publication date June 2021

In April 2021, the Department for Education asked Ofsted to carry out a rapid review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges in England1. This included looking at peer-on-peer sexual harassment, sexual violence and online sexual abuse.

Our briefing summarises findings from the review around:

  • the scale and nature of sexual abuse in schools
  • how the current safeguarding system listens to the voices of children and young people
  • schools’ understanding and response to sexual abuse
  • Ofsted’s recommendations for schools, colleges, partner agencies and the government.

The review points out that - due to the prevalence of sexual harassment and online sexual abuse - schools, colleges and multi-agency partners should act as though it is happening to children and young people in their care, even when there are no specific reports.

References

Ofsted (2021) Review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges. [Accessed 03/11/2022].
Review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges
Download the briefing (PDF)

CASPAR briefings

Summaries for key reports, statutory and non-statutory guidance, and legislation.

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