Explained: Changes to Ofsted guidance to reduce sexual harassment in schools
Fiona Simpson
Monday, June 28, 2021
Ofsted has published an updated inspections handbook detailing how schools will be assessed on how they confront sexual harassment, abuse and violence among children and young people.
The updated guidance comes weeks after an investigation by the inspectorate revealed that sexual harassment has become “normalised” in schools.
In a series of recommendations made as part of the report, Ofsted recommended that schools “confront sexual harassment, abuse and violence among children and young people”.
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CYP Now looks at what Ofsted’s updated guidance means for schools and colleges and when it will take effect:
What has been added to the guidance?
In line with the updated guidance, inspectors will expect schools and college leaders to assume that sexual harassment, online sexual abuse and sexual violence is happening in and around their school, even when there are no specific reports, and to have put in place a whole-school approach to address them, Ofsted has said.
Inspectors will also consider how schools and colleges handle allegations and incidents of sexual abuse between children and young people when they do occur.
Records of any reported sexual abuse or sexual violence will be required to be handed to Ofsted by 8am on the day of inspection.
Inspectors will look at the preventative measures schools and colleges have put in place to guard against sexual harassment and abuse, including behaviour policies, pastoral support and the relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum.
Ofsted will also expect schools and colleges to be alert to factors that increase children’s potential vulnerability to sexual abuse, and to understand and address the barriers that could prevent a child or young person from reporting an incident.
When will the changes come into force?
The changes are due to take effect when full inspections of schools and colleges resume in September.
How will the changes affect schools’ ratings?
Where schools and colleges do not have adequate processes in place, it is likely that safeguarding will be considered ineffective, Ofsted has said.
Not adhering to the new guidance could impact on the ‘leadership and management’ judgement where the overall grade is likely to be ‘inadequate’, the inspectorate has added.
Read the complete updated guidance here.