Ofsted will be inspecting your school’s approach to tackling sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools. In order to be judged as having effective safeguarding, its essential that you are prepared.
In June 2021 Ofsted published their findings from a rapid review into sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools. Their findings showed that sexual harassment and violence were prevalent in schools, even where they didn’t appear to be, partly due to under-estimation of the problem by staff.
“School and college leaders should create a culture where sexual harassment and online sexual abuse are not tolerated, and where they identify issues and intervene early. In order to do this, they should assume that sexual harassment and online sexual abuse are happening in their setting, even when there are no specific reports, and put in place a whole-school approach to address them.”
Ofsted, June 2022
It was reported that “92% of girls and 74% of boys said sexist name-calling happens a lot or sometimes to them or their peers. The frequency of these harmful sexual behaviours means that some children and young people consider them normal.” (Ofsted, June 2022)
Your record keeping and responses to reported incidents will be inspected to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps. Ensure you understand your new obligations and how best to demonstrate that.
They noted that pupils reported the RSHE curriculum delivered was ‘too little, too late’ and they often turned to social media for information. In this essential Masterclass, Rebecca will ensure that delegates feel equipped with the knowledge and information they need to ensure effective RSHE on the topic of sexual harassment and peer on peer abuse.
Ofsted will be increasing their focus in this area - speaking to staff and pupils to assess you, it’s important you are able to demonstrate your school is taking firm action. This course has been designed specifically for education leaders to help you do just that.
Headteachers and members of the SLT, Pastoral Leads, Designated Safeguarding Leads and PSHE Leads should attend.
Key Learning Objectives
To be clear on and recognise the meaning of sexual harassment and child-on-child abuse
How to ensure an effective RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) curriculum which meets the needs of your pupils and promotes a zero-tolerance response to peer-on-peer abuse
To understand which sexual behaviours are developmentally typical and which are of concern
How to respond and record incidents of sexualised behaviour
To explore situations where sexual harassment has taken place and how best to support a young person in your school
How Ofsted will explore behaviour and attitudes around harassment and bullying and the questions they will be asking pupils as part of their inspection
Supports CPD professional development
Facilitator
Rebecca Jennings has over 18 years’ experience delivering Age-appropriate Relationship and Sex Education and training to Primary & Secondary Schools, Colleges, Pupil Referral Units, Youth Centre’s and Training Providers. Rebecca is a writer and Author of ‘Sex and Relationships in the Primary School; Speechmark Publishing’ and has been commissioned to write for a number of Education providers.
Rebecca’s portfolio of work includes a contract with the Department of Education as a Subject Matter Expert to advise around the staff training element of Relationships, Health and Sex education. Rebecca delivers a variety of workshops around the UK for staff training and parental engagement Rebecca qualified in 2003 with a BA Hons Degree in Education & English at Newman University Birmingham. Rebecca’s qualification profile also include certificates in Counselling Studies and Skills, The Royal College of Nursing Sexual Health Skills, PRINCE 2 and CIPD in Training & Development. Rebecca’s qualifications teamed with experience and publications ensure she is skilled at delivering some of the most challenging issues faced in teaching children and young people.
From working with the NHS as an SRE (Sex & Relationships Education) Advisor in Schools to work with Sexual Health Charities and Local Councils Rebecca is well known and respected in Schools and Educational Settings.
