Key findings: Safeguarding Awareness Week survey

Taking place from the 16-22 May 2022, Safeguarding Awareness Week is a chance to shine a light on the critical issue of safeguarding in schools, particularly in light of the recent reports of the rise of sexual harassment in schools.

Our survey gave staff the opportunity to share their thoughts on a variety of safeguarding issues, and the responses highlighted increasing concerns about safety in schools.

Of 1,310 respondents, the majority feel that there are more safeguarding concerns raised now than before the pandemic – and a significant number of staff don't think students feel safe in school and don't feel confident handling reports of sexual harassment, abuse or violence. 

The key findings are: 

• More than three quarters (78%) of school staff surveyed feel that there are more safeguarding concerns raised now than before the pandemic

• Almost a quarter (23%) of school staff surveyed do not think pupils feel safe at their school

• Almost a quarter (23%) of school staff surveyed do not think pupils feel confident in reporting concerns they have to a member of school staff

• A quarter (25%) of school staff surveyed do not feel confident in handling reports of sexual harassment, abuse or violence

• More than four in 10 (43%) of school staff surveyed do not feel that there is sufficient guidance for schools

Last year, the DfE updated the Ofsted inspection handbook so that schools must have adequate processes for dealing with harmful sexual behaviour, but our survey shows that teachers and school staff are still concerned. 

During Safeguarding Awareness Week, we're sharing with schools a range of resources, as well as live webinars, hosted by experienced safeguarding experts, to examine what it means to feel safe and how schools and colleges can put preventative measures in place to guard against sexual harassment and abuse. 

Dawn Jotham, Tes pastoral and safeguarding lead said:  

“Safeguarding is an ongoing priority in schools. Everyone in a school must act to protect those in their community. By running Safeguarding Awareness Week, we are supporting schools as they continue in those endeavours throughout the academic year and beyond.   

“We will use Safeguarding Awareness Week to give access to the very latest insight and analysis, to discuss with teaching and leadership staff on the ground how they are promoting safeguarding in their schools and deliver a range of tools for schools to use every day.” 

To find out more and get involved visit: safeguardingweek.com