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Everyone’s Invited: Ofsted report - analysis and action plan

Insight

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By now, the findings and recommendations of the Ofsted rapid review of sexual abuse in schools have been widely reported on and discussed in the media. The Ofsted review was launched following thousands of disclosures on the website “Everyone’s Invited” about sexual harassment and sexual violence involving schools (both state and independent) as well as universities. As things stand, there are over 51,000 testimonies on the website naming hundreds of education settings across the UK with the disclosures highlighting the full spectrum of behaviour from lower level harassment to serious sexual assault and rape.

In this note, we have drawn together Ofsted's findings and recommendations (Appendix 1) as well as the reactions from the Police, DfE, Minister for Education and NSPCC (Appendix 2) and our suggested actions for schools (embedded into the comments in Appendix 1). We have provided this information in table format to help senior leaders and governors identify the issues clearly with a view to creating an action plan in response. Your school may well already be doing much of what is recommended but we think it is helpful to have a complete list of factors to take into account when discussing this at senior level.

Click here to read the full note.

If you require further information about anything covered in this briefing, please contact Maria Strauss, Veryan Exelby, or your usual contact at the firm on +44 (0)20 3375 7000.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, June 2021

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About the authors

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Maria Strauss

Partner

Maria advises a broad spectrum of clients including private companies, not-for-profit organisations, independent schools, banks, sports clubs, Churches and faith-based organisations on employment law and safeguarding matters.

Maria advises a broad spectrum of clients including private companies, not-for-profit organisations, independent schools, banks, sports clubs, Churches and faith-based organisations on employment law and safeguarding matters.

Email Maria +44 (0)20 3375 7259
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Veryan Exelby

Senior Counsel

Veryan is a senior counsel within the Safeguarding Unit, with a particular focus on safeguarding in schools. Previously she was a partner of the Family team at Farrer & Co. Veryan provides safeguarding training for school governors and designated safeguarding leads, undertakes safeguarding audits and policy reviews and advises schools on all areas of safeguarding. Veryan is the Safeguarding Governor at two schools.

Veryan is a senior counsel within the Safeguarding Unit, with a particular focus on safeguarding in schools. Previously she was a partner of the Family team at Farrer & Co. Veryan provides safeguarding training for school governors and designated safeguarding leads, undertakes safeguarding audits and policy reviews and advises schools on all areas of safeguarding. Veryan is the Safeguarding Governor at two schools.

Email Veryan +44 (0)20 3375 7000
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