The Association of Colleges has welcomed Ofsted’s plans for a review into sexual abuse in schools and colleges.

AoC deputy chief executive Julian Gravatt said all places of learning, including colleges, should be safe with zero tolerance on abuse.

He said: “We welcome Ofsted reviewing policies relating to sexual abuse in colleges. The practices in place and the culture that fosters are key to preventing sexual violence and harassment from happening. 

“It is vital that staff are supported to respond effectively and the current barriers to reporting are identified and broken down. All places of learning, including colleges, should be a safe place, with zero tolerance to abuse for everybody.”

Background: Government launches review into abuse in schools claims

Ofsted: Inspectorate to visit schools at the centre of sex abuse scandal

Inspections: Ofsted plans some full inspections in the summer

Yesterday, it was announced that the government had asked Ofsted to undertake an immediate review of safeguarding policies in schools and colleges in relation to sexual abuse.

The move followed allegations of abuse being made on the Everyone’s Invited website.

Everyone’s Invited sex abuse allegations: Review of safeguarding in schools and colleges

For this, Ofsted will visit a sample of colleges where cases have been highlighted to look at how well safeguarding is working and to discuss the wider issues raised by the evidence. The inspectorate will also review a sample of the recently reported evidence of sexual violence and abuse involving learners.

The review will look at whether colleges have appropriate processes in place to allow students to report sexual abuse concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

The inspectorate’s review will also establish whether there is sufficient guidance on how colleges should deal with sexual harassment and violence allegations, and whether they understand and implement guidance well.

The review will answer the following key questions:

• Is the existing safeguarding framework and guidance for inspectors strong enough to properly assess how schools and colleges safeguard and promote the welfare of children?
• How can schools and colleges be supported further to successfully deliver the new RSHE (relationships, sex and health education) curriculum, including in teaching about sexual abuse, cyber-bullying and pornography, as well as healthy relationships and consent?

• How well are safeguarding guidance and processes understood and working between schools, colleges and local multi-agency partners?
• Does working between schools, colleges and local safeguarding partners, including local authority children’s social care, the police, health services and other support, need to be strengthened?

• How does the current system of safeguarding in schools and colleges listen to the voices of children when reporting sexual abuse, whether occurring within or outside school?
• What prevents children from reporting sexual abuse?
• Do victims receive timely and appropriate support from the right place?
• Have inspections by the ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate) and Ofsted been robust enough in relation to the issues raised?