The Department for Education (DfE) has published an updated version of the statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education (external link) which will come into effect on 3 September 2018. Until that date, the current guidance (published in September 2016) is still in force.
‘Keeping children safe in education’ is the key document setting out schools’ safeguarding responsibilities and governing boards should ensure that it is reflected in the school or trust policies and understood by all staff.
The DfE has also published separate advice (external link) on sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges. This follows an inquiry (external link) by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee which found that 59% of girls and young women aged 13-21 said in 2014 that they had faced some form of sexual harassment at school or college in the previous year. The advice covers schools’ legal responsibilities, a whole school approach to prevention, and responding to a report of sexual violence or harassment.