School abuse helpline set up as government launches review of safeguarding policies

Dedicated number, run by the NSPCC, went live on Thursday

A new helpline to support potential victims of sexual harassment and abuse at school or university has been announced by the government to tackle what has been termed the education sector's “MeToo” moment.

The dedicated number, which will be run by the NSPCC children’s charity, went live on Thursday.

The line will aim to provide victims of sexual abuse in schools with the support and advice, including how to contact the police.

Ofsted has also been asked to undertake an immediate review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools.

The review will look at the extent and the severity of the issue and ensure schools have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report concerns.

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Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said: “Sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent and it is vital that these allegations are dealt with properly.

“While the majority of schools take their safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, I am determined to make sure the right resources and processes are in place across the education system to support any victims of abuse to come forward.

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said: “Like everyone else, I have been deeply troubled by accounts of the sexual abuse and harassment young people have suffered at school and in the community.

“Schools have a crucial role to play in teaching young people about sexual consent and respect for women and girls.

“They must also be places where all children feel safe, and where they are able to report any incidents of abuse or harassment and be confident that what they say will be acted upon.”

Earlier this week a senior police officer claimed schools may have covered up sexual offences to protect their reputations.

Chief Constable Simon Bailey told The Times he was concerned that a “culture of misogyny and sexual harassment” had not been challenged in some schools.

Mr Bailey said: “If somebody has been privy to rape or serious sexual assault then we want to hear from them.

”What I fear is that there will be a number of sexual predators that will have moved from secondary school to university where they will continue to offend.“

Asked whether some schools had covered up reports to protect their reputation, Mr Bailey told the paper that he did not have evidence of that.

But he added: ”Am I naive enough to think that hasn't happened? Of course I'm not.

“Do I think there will be circumstances where abuse will have been covered up to protect reputations? Yes I do.”