A survey is warning that more than nine in ten teachers say safeguarding referrals are increasing in their school. More than half say this rise is “significant”.
An increase in reports around neglect is a major factor in this trend, cited by 87 per cent of teachers.
A similar proportion have seen an increase in emotional abuse referrals, while more than two thirds are seeing a rise in physical abuse referrals.
Meanwhile, half of teachers are reporting an increase in sexual abuse referrals.
The figures have been revealed in a survey of more than 8,300 teachers published by the NSPCC and teaching union NASUWT.
The children’s charity says the figures show the importance of schools play in child protection.
“The vital role that teachers play in keeping children and young people safe cannot be underestimated,” said NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless.
“They are in a prime position to spot concerns, and, in many cases, they are the trusted adults that children turn to when something worrying, or upsetting has happened to them.
“We know that the pandemic left many children at an increased risk of abuse and neglect and since children returned to school, teachers have been key in raising their hand and reporting concerns to ensure they can get the support they need.”
NASUWT general secretary Patrick Roach added: “It is vital schools and other agencies are able to work together to ensure that children are not only kept safe, but also able to grow up living healthy and productive lives, free from fear.
“This research highlights the importance of ensuring that schools, other agencies and the professionals working in them are equipped with the resources, support and training they need to keep children safe.”
Earlier this month it emerged that there is no evidence that embedding social workers in schools can reduce referral rates.
A trial, involving 280,000 pupils across 21 council areas, found that teachers, pupils and social workers are positive about this form of intervention but there is no significant evidence that domestic abuse knowledge and practice of safeguarding leads was better with social workers in schools.
This intervention is also not cost-effective, costing £100,000 per school over two years, the trial found.
