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Invitation to tender for research study into good safeguarding practice in secondary schools.
The Office of the Children’s Commissioner is inviting organisations to tender for a piece of research work that will focus on best professional practice in response to child protection concerns in a selected number of secondary schools. The overall objective will be to identify models of good practice as a basis for providing information to teachers, school leaders and other children’s professionals on how to improve practice. The deadline for applications is 7 June 2012.
Source: Office of the Children's Commissioner 11 May 2012
Further information: Invitation to tender: good practice in child protection in secondary schools (PDF)
NSPCC conference: Safeguarding in education - promoting best policy and practice in child protection and safeguarding in schools, academies and colleges (25 September 2012: London)
20 April 2012. Leaders in the field will share key findings and best practice based on research across the sector carried out on behalf of the Children’s Commissioner for England. Hear for the first time about new guidelines for schools, engage with key speakers including Maggie Atkinson (Children’s Commissioner for England) and Adrienne Katz (author of Cyberbullying and e-safety) and gain insight into effective school practice.
Further information: Safeguarding in education conference 25 September 2012
The Home Office has published a report about hate crime, cyber security and children's experiences of crime.
29 March 2012. Findings include: 56% of violent incidents experienced by children took place in or around school and 68% of violent incidents were perpetrated by pupils at school.
Source: Home Office press release 29 March 2012
Further information: Hate crime, cyber security and the experience of crime among children: Findings from the 2010/11 British Crime Survey: Supplementary Volume 3 to Crime in England and Wales 2010/11 (PDF)
The Department for Education has published a report by York Consulting about allegations of abuse against teachers in England.
29 March 2012. Findings include: the total number of allegations of abuse made to Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) in the 116 LAs surveyed was 12,086, of which roughly a quarter were against teachers; and 56% of allegations against school teachers and 49% against non teaching staff were physical in nature.
Source: Department for Education 29 March 2012
Further information: Allegations of abuse against teachers and non-teaching staff (PDF) 28 March 2012
The BBC reports on the Criminal Records Bureau's response to a Freedom of Information request sent by the Press Association.
26 March 2012. Findings include: over 4,000 offenders who applied to become teachers were rejected following checks, offenders had 9,500 previous offences between them, including 50 sex offences, 11 for arson and two for making threats to kill.
Source: BBC Online 26 March 2012
The Children's Commissioner for England has published the report of the inquiry into school exclusions.
19 March 2012. The report looks at best practice in inclusion, the management of children at risk of exclusion, and ways of dealing with difficult behaviour. Findings include: system of exclusions is not compliant with the UNCRC; and schools admitted to illegal exclusions.
Source: Children's Commissioner press release 19 March 2012
Further information: They never give up on you (PDF) 19 March 2012
New teachers should train in Pupil Referral Units to gain specialism in behaviour management.
08 March 2012. The report Improving Alternative Provision by behaviour expert Charlie Taylor was commissioned by the government as a result of the UK riots.
As a result of Taylor’s recommendations, from September 2012 new recruits to teaching will be able to do part of their training in pupil referral units PRU's), where children excluded from mainstream education are taught. Taylor believes that teachers with this training could inject expertise into mainstream schools and help prevent young people from being excluded from the system, and becoming isolated and disillusioned.
Two-thirds of the young people that appeared in court after last summer's riots had some form of special educational need and more than one in 10 had been permanently excluded from school.
Source: Department for Education press notice 08 March 2012
Further information: Improving Alternative Provision report (PDF)
Home Office launches anti sex abuse campaign aimed at teenagers
06 March 2012. The campaign aims to challenge young people’s misconceptions about what constitutes rape and consent, and features an advert dipicting a teenage girl being pressured into sex by her boyfriend. It is reported that 33 per cent of teenage girls and 16 per cent of boys say that they have experienced some form of sexual violence from a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Source: Home Office 01 March 2012
The BBC reports on allegations made against teachers and teaching assistants in Wales.
27 February 2012. A freedom of information request found that over the last five years 55% of 312 allegations turned out to be false, malicious or unfounded.
Source: BBC Online 27 February 2012
Violence against teachers in Wales soars
17 February 2012. The number of violent attacks on teachers has risen by more than a third over the past three years, according to figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives.
Source: Children and Young People Now
Report on teachers' perspective of online safety published.
10 February 2012. Published by the National Federation for Educational Research, the report findings include:
Source: National Federation for Educational Research 10 February 2012
Further information: Protecting children online: teachers’ perspectives on eSafety: full report (PDF)
Updated guidance on the use of reasonable force and screening, searching and confiscation.
08 February 2012. The Department for Education has updated guidance on the use of reasonable force and screening, searching and confiscation.
It covers what reasonable force is and when it can be used; and searching with and without the pupil's consent.
Source: Department for Education
Further information: Department for Education: Use of reasonable force 08 February 2012
Department for Education: Screening, searching and confiscation 08 February 2012
Child internet safety guidance published by the Department for Education.
07 February 2012. The guidance for organisations and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) has been compiled by members of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS).
It covers chatting online, sharing information online, gaming, and networking.
Source: Department for Education press release 07 February 2012
Further information: Advice on child internet safety 1.0: Universal guidelines for providers (PDF)
Report on the state of cyberbullying in the UK published.
06 February 2012. Beatbullying have published a report in association with the National Association of Head Teachers examining the prevalence of cyberbullying.
Findings include:
The report recommends that:
Ofsted publishes good practice example for tackling homophobic bullying in schools.
03 February 2012. Ofsted have used Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form as a good practice example for the work they do to tackle homophobic bullying and create an inclusive environment.
The school ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues are covered in the curriculum and that their policies and procedures apply to their diverse range of students.
Source: Ofsted press release 03 February 2012
Further information: A whole-school approach to tackling homophobic bullying and ingrained attitudes: Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form (PDF)
Updated behaviour and discipline guidance for heads and school staff published.
27 January 2012. The DfE guidance provides advice to headteachers and schools staff on developing school behaviour policies and explains the powers that members of staff have to discipline pupils. Other key points include: considering whether a pupil's behaviour is a sign that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm; considering whether putting a child in detention is likely to put the pupil at risk; and the use of reasonable force.
Source: Department for Education 27 January 2012
Further information: Behaviour and discipline in schools: a guide for headteachers and school staff (PDF)
Serious Case Review published relating to the sexual abuse of children by their teacher.
26 January 2012. The review has been published by the North Somerset Safeguarding Children Board. Issues included a failure by staff to report the majority of concerns they had about their colleague’s inappropriate, unprofessional behaviour, and a failure by management to create an environment which put the safety and needs of their pupils first. The school also failed to recognise typical characteristics of grooming activities. The report recommends that schools keep accurate records of all incidents and concerns in connection with members of staff so that historical patterns can be detected. Staff should also be trained to recognise grooming behaviour, and have e-safety policies in place.
Source: North Somerset Safeguarding Children Board 26 January 2012
Further information: Serious case review: the abuse of pupils in a first school: executive summary (PDF)
Serious case review: the abuse of pupils in a first school: overview report (PDF)
Report highlights that teachers feel 'powerless' to intevene when they suspect neglect.
23 January 2012. The first annual report on neglect by Action for Children and the University of Stirling is a result of the study of existing research, polls and focus groups that took place with 4,236 adults, 2,174 of which were professionals who work with children, including teachers. Over half of those who took part had at some point been worried that a child they had come into contact with was being neglected but had felt powerless to intervene.
Source: Action for children: press release 23 January 2012
Further information: Child neglect in 2011: an annual review by Action for Children in partnership with the University of Stirling. (PDF) 23 January 2012
Further information and resources on neglect: see our Neglect topic page
Rising number of teachers being disciplined for missue of social networking sites.
23 January 2012. The Guardian has reported that in 2011 there were 336 cases of "unacceptable professional conduct" reported to General Teaching Council for England; 43 involved teachers befriending pupils on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and making contact through email; 18 teachers were given prohibition orders and struck off; while 14 were suspended. Transcripts of Facebook messages and internet chat logs were used as evidence against the teachers.
Source: Guardian 23 January 2012
New drug advice for schools published.
20 January 2012. The advice, published by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) recommends that every school develop a drugs policy for which a senior member of staff should have responsibility. It is also recommended that schools establish relationships with other agencies to ensure support is available to pupils affected by drug misuse.
Source: Department for Education press release 20 January 2012
Further information: DfE and ACPO drug advice for schools (PDF)
NSPCC and Youthworks to explore and highlight best safeguarding practice in primary schools in England.
19 January 2012. The research will be carried out on behalf of the Children's Commissioner for England and will focus on how well primary schools identify risk and respond to child protection concerns, and also how personal safety messages are promoted to children. A selection of primary schools will be contacted to take part in the research, which will result in a good practice guidance being published in autumn 2012.
Source: Office of The Children's Commissioner for England press release 19 January 2012
Further information: Children and Young People Now
Ofsted announces plans to introduce no notice inspections for schools.
10 January 2012. The new chief inspector of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw has announced that from September 2012 no-notice inspections will be introduced to all regular schools.
Details of how the changes will work will form part of a wider consultation on the future of inspection that will be announced soon.
Source: Ofsted 10 January 2012
Documents now available for new school inspection arrangements in January 2012.
16 December 2011. They include the inspection framework, the evaluation schedule and guidance on how inspections should be conducted. Also available on the Ofsted website are short videos, PowerPoints and FAQ's created to make the new arrangements as clear as possible.
Source: Ofsted Press Release 16 December 2011
Further information: Ofsted website
Research report on school readiness published by the Resolution Foundation.
14 December 2011. Findings from the 'On your marks' report suggest that low to middle income children are five months behind their more affluent peers in terms of vocabulary skills, and have more behaviour problems and that modest investments in their development could pay long-term dividends for the children concerned and for society as a whole.
Source: Resolution Foundation 14 December 2011
Further information: On your marks: Measuring the school readiness of children in low-to-middle income families (PDF, 948)
Home Office consultation on the definition of domestic violence published.
14 December 2011. The four options for consideration are; for the definition of domestic violence to remain the same, to be amended to include coercive control, to be extended to all 16- to 17-year-olds, and to be extended to all those under 18. The consultation closes on 30 March 2012.
Source: Home Office Press Release 14 December 2011
Further information: Cross-government definition of domestic violence consultation
Report on importance of local authority funded education welfare services published.
09 December 2011. The National Association for Social Workers in Education (NASWE) and the Association of Education Welfare Managers (AEWM) have published a report looking at the importance of providing a local authority funded education welfare service (EWS). Recommendations for local authorities include: ensuring that there are sufficient education welfare officers to work with children missing education; and maintaining links between the EWS and children and adults social care, substance misuse, domestic violence and adult and child mental health services.
Further information: Practical Early Intervention: The case for retaining a local authority funded education welfare service (PDF, 262KB)
Recommendations for the education of traveller children in Northern Ireland published.
07 December 2011. The Department of Education for Northern Ireland has published a series of recommendations following a review of the educational needs of traveller children. Recommendations include building schools capacity to develop an inclusive ethos and deliver change through Initial Teacher Education and Continuous Professional Development.
Source: Department of Education for Northern Ireland 07 December 2011
Further information: Report of the Taskforce to the Department of Education (PDF, 453KB)
Government issues response to the review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS).
06 December 2011. The government is currently considering Sunita Mason's recommendation to widen the definition of criminal records to include convictions for non-imprisonable offences as well as cautions, reprimands and warnings from police. Many of the suggestions from the previous review have been included in the Protection of Freedoms Bill such as stopping checks on under 16's and allowing applicants to view and dispute information held by the police.
Source: Home Office Press Release 06 December 2011
Further information: Government response to the review
National government action plan for tackling child sexual exploitation published.
23 November 2011. The action plan highlights the important role that schools play in educating children and young people about the dangers of sexual exploitation. The Department for Education will also consider how to simplify the current statutory Sex and Relationships Education guidance for schools.
Source: Department for Education press release 23 November 2011
Further information: Tackling child sexual exploitation: action plan (PDF, 421KB)
NSPCC information on child sexual exploitation
Ofsted 2011 annual report published.
22 November 2011. The report presents evidence from inspection and regulatory visits of provision for education and skills in schools and colleges, childcare, children’s social care, and local authority services for children.
Source: Ofsted Press Release 22 November 2011
Further information: The Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills 2010/11
Research on primary school children's understanding of 'keeping safe' messages in Northern Ireland published.
21 November 2011. The report also examined current practice on teaching these messages in primary schools, and identified the key barriers and facilitators in relation to effective programme development and implementation.
Further information: NSPCC Learning resources for school staff
Education Bill 2011 has reached Royal Assent
17 November 2011. The updated Education Act includes new legislation introducing a number of reforms, including giving teachers the power to search pupils.
Source: Department for Education 17 November 2011
Further information: Education Act 2011
Research report on homophobic bullying in schools published
17 November 2011. The report published by Sheffield Hallam University highlights that young people do not always feel that homophobic bullying is dealt with effectively and that staff need more support from management to raise awareness in schools.
Source: Sheffield Hallam University: press release 17 November 2011
Further information: Tackling homophobia and transphobia in settings supporting young people: what are the barriers and facilitators? (PDF)
Research report on gender based bullying in Wales published
14 November 2011. The report 'In their shoes', highlights the disputes that stem from girls intense and volatile friendships with one another and how social networking sites can act as a platform to enable bullying outside of school hours.
Source: Barnados Cymru
Further information: English - 'In their shoes': the complexity of girls' social interactions and the impact of negative peer relationships 2011 (PDF)
Welsh - 'Yn eu hesgidiau nhw' Cymhlethdod rgyngweithiadau cymdeithasol merched ac effaith perthnasoedd negyddol a chyfoedion (PDF)
New statistics on verbal bullying published
14 November 2011. The study published by the Anti-Bullying Alliance states that 1 in 4 children have been verbally bullied in the past year. Results also show that 54% of respondents would turn to a teacher for help and advice, highlighting the important role of teachers and schools in tackling bullying behaviour.
Source: Anti-Bullying Alliance
New government strategy to tackle gang and youth violence
01 November. The Home Office has published a cross-government strategy to tackle gang and youth violence. Factors identified as increasing a child's risk of gang involvement include: early childhood neglect and abuse; ill health in the family, including mental illness; and parental violence and substance misuse. Effective preventative services suggested include: early interventions to support families and promote positive parenting.
Source: Home Office Press Release 01 November 2011
Further information: Ending gang and youth violence: a cross-government report including further evidence and good practice case studies (PDF)
Government guidance on protecting children who may have been trafficked now available.
21 October 2011. The guidance includes possible indicators that should raise concerns from schools, such as children who move to the UK and frequently go missing from education, or who are known to be moving from school to school around the country. It also includes advice for schools on what actions to take if they suspect a child has been or could be a victim of trafficking.
Source: Department for Education
Further information: Safeguarding children who may have been trafficked (PDF) 21 October 2011
Ofsted launches questionnaire for parents to share their views on schools performance.
20 October 2011. The 'Parent View' online questionnaire will allow parents and carers to give their views on their child’s school at any time of the year and will cover 12 aspects of school performance, from the quality of teaching, to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour.
Source: Ofsted: Parent View
New checklist on the basics of classroom behaviour management published.
19 October 2011. “Getting the Simple Things Right” – was drawn up following talks with heads of outstanding schools across England. It includes a 43-point checklist that highlights essential actions for schools.
Source: Department for Education 19 October 2011
Further information: Getting the simple things right (PDF)
Report on sexual exploitation of children and young people published.
14 October 2011. The University of Bedfordshire has published a report reviewing the ways Local Safeguarding Children Boards are protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation. The report highlights the important role that schools can play in the early identification of concerns. There is also a need for more awareness raising with young people and training for staff.
Source: University of Bedfordshire: International Centre for the Study of Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Young People
Further information: What’s going on to safeguard children and young people from sexual exploitation?: how local partnerships respond to child sexual exploitation (PDF)
Interim report about allegations made against teaching staff published.
14 October 2011. The Department for Education (DfE) has published a report by York Consulting LLP about allegations of abuse made against teachers and non-teaching staff in England. The next phase of the research will look in greater depth at the nature of allegations made against teachers and support staff in schools and the processes for handling these at the school level.
Source: Department for Education 14 October 2011
Further information: Allegations of abuse against teachers and non-teaching staff: interim findings from a survey of local authority designated officers (PDF)
New Welsh anti-bullying guidance released.
10 October 2011. The Welsh Government has produced a series of electronic anti-bullying guidance documents 'Respecting others'. They cover five specific areas including homophobic bullying, cyberbullying and bullying of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). There is also detailed advice to schools on responding to and preventing bullying, with examples of good practice, case studies and scenarios.
Source: Welsh Government website
Further information: Respecting others (PDF)
Parents to be given new powers to trigger Ofsted school inspections.
03 October 2011. As part of Ofsted’s new framework for inspections, from January 2012 parents and carers will be given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire to enable them to express any concerns about their child’s school. The questionnaire will be online from next month and can be submitted anonymously. If a number of concerns are raised, the results can trigger an inspection.
Further information: Ofsted
Government report on methods for reducing bullying.
27 September 2011. The Department for Education has published a report, commissioned by the previous government, about ways of reducing bullying among the worst affected. The report suggests that 'whole school approaches' may be the most effective way to tackle bullying; and those most at risk of bullying may need specific support.
Source: Department for Education press release 19 September 2011
Further information: Reducing bullying amongst the worst affected (PDF)
Report on educational exclusion and truancy published.
20 September 2011. The Centre for Social Justice has published a report on educational exclusion and truancy claiming that many pupils are misunderstood, with the underlying causes of their behaviour and their needs not being properly addressed. Recommendations include: schools should consider using voluntary sector support rather than local authority services to tackle this issue.
Source: Children & Young People Now 20 September 2011
Further information: No excuses: a review of educational exclusion (PDF)
Welsh government launches a new campaign to tackle domestic abuse.
13 September 2011. Resources produced for the 'Live Fear Free' website include: a video discussing how domestic abuse can affect children and content relating to the protection of children living with family violence.
Source: Welsh Assembly Press Release 13 September 2011
Further information: Live Fear Free
Schools no longer required to record incidences of use of force.
12 September 2011. The government has decided not to commence with the requirement to record and report the use of force in schools. Following a review, the requirement, which was due to come into force on 1 September 2011 will be repealed at the soonest possible opportunity.
Source: Department for Education press release 05 September 2011
Further information: Review of the Recording and Reporting of the Use of Force in Schools (PDF) 30 July 2011
Ofsted introduces no-notice inspections for residential special schools
08 September 2011. Under the revised inspection scheme, residential schools will be given two days' notice of any joint education and child welfare inspections, but no advance warning of visits solely to monitor child welfare.
Further information: Ofsted 08 September 2011
New NSPCC training course on preventing bullying of children living with SEN and disability.
08 September 2011. This new course will enable staff to develop awareness of bullying and its impact on children living with special educational needs and disability and cultivate methods of intervention. Planned course dates include 8 November 2011 (Leeds); 25 January 2012 (London); 14 March 2012 (Leicester).
For future dates and course information see Preventing bullying: Safeguarding children living with SEN and disability
Updated version of Safety in Learning training resource now available.
06 September 2011. This NSPCC training pack provides resources on CD-Rom and DVD that will enable designated person/child protection coordinators to deliver safeguarding children induction or refresher training to all staff working in their school or college.
The updated version contains a revised course structure, trainer notes, handouts and slides, an additional film scenario as well as a handout on e-safety.
Further information: Safety in Learning
Report on safeguarding good practice in schools published by Ofsted.
02 September 2011. The report is based on schools judged to have "outstanding" safeguarding practices between September 2009 and July 2010. Features identified include: high quality leadership, high priority training in safeguarding and a curriculum that teaches students how to keep safe.
Source: Ofsted Press Release 02 September 2011
Further information: Safeguarding in schools: best practice
New government campaign to target teengage relationship violence and abuse.
01 September 2011. The Home Office has launched a campaign to raise awareness with teenagers who may be at risk of being abused in their relationships. Resources include a guide on the signs of abuse, a list of services which help both perpetrators and victims and a discussion board.
Source: This is abuse 01 September 2011
Further information: Home Office press release
National Minimum Standards for residential special schools published by the government.
31st August 2011. The Department for Education has published National Minimum Standards for residential special schools. Issues covered include: promoting positive behaviour and relationships, child safety, and child protection.
Source: Department for Education press release 31 August 2011
Further information: Residential special schools: national minimum standards (PDF, 124KB)
National Minimum Standards for boarding schools published by the government.
31st August 2011. The Department for Education has published National Minimum Standards for boarding schools. Issues covered include: promoting positive behaviour and relationships, boarders' health and wellbeing, and child protection.
Source: Department for Education press release 31 August 2011
Further information: Boarding schools: national minimum standards (PDF, 94KB)
National eCAF system review announced by the government.
12 August 2011. In response to a recommendation in the Munro review, the DfE is reviewing the national electronic Common Assessment Framework (eCAF), used to record details of children with specialist support needs.The deadline for local authorities to inform the DfE how the decommissioning of eCAF would impact their services is 30 September 2011.
Source: Children and Young People Now 12 August 2011
Further information: Department for Education 05 August 2011
Research report on cyber-bullying published.
01 August 2011. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University have produced a report, commissioned by the National Children's Bureau on behalf of its Wellcome Trust-funded PEAR young people's group, on cyber-bullying in England. Findings include: nearly one in five of the children surveyed had been cyber-bullied and over a third (38.9%) of those who had been bullied had stopped socialising outside school as a result.
Source: Anglia Ruskin University: press release 01 August 2011
Further information: The impact of cyber-bullying on young people’s mental health (PDF)
New guidance on the use of reasonable force in schools.
29th July 2011. The Department for Education has published new guidance on the use of reasonable force for teachers, staff and governing bodies. Guidance includes: what reasonable force is; who can use it; when schools can and cannot use it; and how to use it.
Source: Department for Education 29 July 2011
Further information: Use of reasonable force - Advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies (PDF)
Government publishes new anti-bullying guidance for schools
27 July 2011. The Department for Education has published new guidance for schools on preventing and dealing with bullying. Advice includes: involving both parents and pupils in preventing bullying and discussing differences between people which could be behind bullying behaviour.
Source: Department for Education
Further information: Preventing and Tackling Bullying - Advice for School Leaders, staff and Governing Bodies (PDF 138KB)
Social media and e-safety study published
19 July 2011. The Training and Development Agency (TDA) commissioned Stephen Carrick-Davies to undertake research regarding the risks facing young people excluded from schools and being taught in Pupil Referral Units (PRU's). The resulting report contains recommendations and practical suggestions for developing appropriate resources and is intended to support staff that care for vulnerable young people.
Further information: Munch, poke, ping! Vulnerable young people, social media and e-safety (PDF)
New standards for teachers published
14 July 2011. All teachers will be expected to meet new standards of competence and conduct from September 2012, following an independent review of the skills that teachers should possess.
Source: Department for Education press release 14 July 2011
Further information: Teachers' Standards (PDF, 525KB)
Evaluation of the Welsh School-based Counselling Strategy: Stage One Report
13 July 2011. In 2010 the Welsh Government commissioned a research consortium led by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy to undertake an evaluation of its school-based counselling strategy which has been rolled out across Wales. The stage one report has now been published.
Further information: Evaluation of the Welsh School-based Counselling Strategy: Stage One Report (1.55 MB)
Children at risk of exclusion helped by nurture groups according to Ofsted report
12 July 2011. Ofsted has published a report examining the use of nurture groups to support pupils showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties. The report surveys 29 infant, first and primary schools and looks at what makes provision successful and the outcomes for children and families. Findings suggest that the nurture group approach can have a positive impact on young children and their families, helping pupils manage their behaviour, build positive relationships and cope with their emotions.
Source: Ofsted Press Release 12 July 2011
Further information: Supporting children with challenging behaviour through a nurture group approach report
Updated government guidance for teachers on discipline in schools
11 July 2011. The Department for Education has published updated, concise guidance for teachers to help improve discipline in schools which will be used from September 2011. Includes: schools should not have a 'no touch' policy; and teachers have the power to use reasonable force in certain circumstances.
Source: Department for Education 11 July 2011
Further information: Ensuring good behaviour in schools
Revised government guidance for health and safety on school trips published
04 July 2011. Prepared by the Health and Safety Executive, the advice reduces previous guidance from 150 pages to 8 with the Department for Education saying it will ensure precautions put in place are proportionate to the risks involved.
Source: Department for Education press release 04 July 2011
Further information: Departmental advice on health and safety (PDF, 62KB)
Calls for violence against women and children to be made part of the curriculum for schools and colleges.
30 June 2011. The End Violence Against Women Coalition has published a report calling for the prevention of violence against women and girls to be part of the education system, in an effort to prevent violence before it happens. Recommendations include: prevention of violence against women and girls to be a national priority in schools, and to be addressed by the National Curriculum. The second half of the report profiles 15 prevention programmes which have proved successful.
Source: End Violence Against Women Coalition
Further information: A Different World is Possible: a call for long-term and targeted action to prevent violence against women and girls (PDF, 860 KB)
A Different World is Possible: promising practices to prevent violence against women and girls (PDF, 890KB)
SchoolsWorld educational video portal goes live
03 June 2011. SchoolsWorld features 3,500 educational videos from the Teachers TV catalogue and they will soon be adding new content and tools for teachers, governors, teaching assistants, pupils and parents.
Further information: SchoolsWorld.tv
DfE publishes literary review on good practice in preventing gangs, gun activity and extremist behaviour
01 June 2011. The objectives of the review were to provide an overview of the evidence relating to what works in building resilience against and prevention of risky behaviours amongst young people, and the role teachers and schools can take in the prevention of such behaviour.
Source: Department for Education
Further information: Teaching methods that help to build resilience to extremism: rapid evidence assessment (PDF, 658 KB)
Pupil Voice Wales launch pupil participation training materials
25 May 2011. The aim of these training materials is to help senior leaders, governors and staff in schools in Wales to gain the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to support the development of effective pupil participation.
Further information: Pupil Voice Wales
Amendment to the Vetting and Barring scheme
03 May 2011. The Home Office have introduced an amendment to the Protection of Freedoms Bill which will keep 16 to 17-year-olds within the scope of regulated activity under the Vetting and Barring scheme.
Source: Children & Young People Now
Further information: Protection of Freedoms Bill
Report on inquiry into the role and performance of Ofsted.
17 April 2011. The Education Select Committee's recommendations include splitting Ofsted to create two separate inspectorates for education and children's care.
Source: Education Select Committee press release
Further information: The role and performance of Ofsted
Results from grooming survey in Northern Ireland
An annual survey of 786 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland by Ark, a joint initiative by Queen's University and the University of Belfast, has found that 11 per cent of teenagers have been affected by grooming, with the most likely form of contact being through social networking sites or chat rooms. This is the first year the survey has addressed issues of sexual grooming and exploitation
Further information: Young Life and Times Survey
Ofsted has published a report into best practice in safeguarding in colleges.
11 April 2011. Recommendations include clearly identifying responsibility for safeguarding arrangements at a senior level and training staff in how to promote safeguarding.
Source: Ofsted Press Release
Further information: Best practice in safeguarding in colleges
The DfE has revised guidance and consultation on good behaviour in schools
4 April 2011. Topics covered include bullying and use of reasonable force. The Department is now running a consultation on the proposals; the closing date is Monday 30 May 2011
Source: Department for Education press release
Further information: Department for Education e-consultation
Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Monitor for Wales 2011 published
30 March 2011. This report focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people aged 0-25, revealing that the number of looked after children has increased by 44 per cent over the last decade. It also finds that the proportion of 15-year-olds drinking on a weekly basis has fallen from 58 to 36 per cent for boys and 54 to 30 per cent for girls between 2001/02 and 2009/10.
Source: Welsh Assembly Press Release
Further information: Welsh Assembly Government 2011 Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Monitor for Wales
Ofsted consultation highlights the need to tackle bullying and harrassment in schools
21 March 2011. Ofsted has published a consultation on changes in the school inspection system in England. Among the areas identified to be in need of greater emphasis is pupils' safety from bullying and harassment.
Source: Ofsted Press Release
Further information: Inspection 2012: proposals for inspection arrangements for maintained schools and academies from January 2012
Green paper on special education needs and disability
9 March 2011. This paper sets out plans to give social care professionals a greater role in assessing children with disabilities and special educational needs, forming one single package of support for families.
Source: Department for Education press release
Further information: Support and aspiration: a new approach to special educational needs and disability - a consultation
Guide for school governors on tackling bullying in schools
The Anti-Bullying Alliance has produced a guide for school governors on tackling bullying in schools. Topics include the role of governors, managing bullying incidents, and working with parents and carers.
Further information: ABA Governors Guide
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