The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a new helpline to support potential victims of sexual harassment and abuse in education settings. The helpline, run by the NSPCC, provides children and adults who are victims of sexual abuse in schools with support and advice including how to contact the police and report crimes. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals The dedicated NSPCC helpline number is 0800 136 663. The government has also asked Ofsted to undertake an immediate review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools in England looking at the extent and the severity of the issue and ensuring schools have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously. The review will conclude by the end of May 2021.
Read the announcement here.
Source: Department for Education. NSPCC Learning
Date: 31 March, 01 April 2021