Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the reporting to education professionals of sexual harassment via (a) social media and (b) other means is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement.

Following Ofsted’s review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges, the department considered the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms. Amended statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), came into force on 1 September 2021, alongside revised departmental advice on sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges. The guidance has been strengthened and updated following a public consultation and considering the findings from the Ofsted Review.

KCSIE provides detailed advice on how schools and colleges, generally led by their designated safeguarding lead, should respond to any report of sexual violence or sexual harassment. It sets out the importance of reporting systems that are well promoted, easily understood and easily accessible for children to confidently report abuse, knowing their concerns will be treated seriously. KCSIE and the departmental advice remain under constant review.

Ofsted inspectors will always report on whether arrangements for safeguarding children are effective.

The ‘Reporting Abuse in Education’ helpline was set up on 1 April and is available for those who may not be comfortable reporting abuse via their school or college.