Written question WQ97591

In January 2024 the Welsh Government published the Peer-on-peer sexual harassment in education settings: action plan. The plan was our response to testimonies on the Everyone’s Invited internet platform, which exists to enable survivors to share their stories of rape, sexual abuse and harassment.

It also built on Estyn’s 2021 thematic review into peer-on-peer sexual harassment among secondary school pupils; its 2023 thematic review focusing on peer-on-peer sexual harassment among 16 to 18 year olds in further education; and the 2022 report by the Children, Young People and Education (CYPE) Committee following its inquiry into peer-on-peer sexual harassment.

The Chair of CYPE Committee wrote to me in August noting that the Committee has considered its priorities for legacy work during the final terms of the Sixth Senedd and has decided to conduct follow-up in relation to peer-on-peer sexual harassment. The Committee has asked for a progress update, which I am in the process of finalising for their consideration.

In addition, our 2022 guidance Keeping Learners Safe is statutory guidance, which seeks to ensure that all staff in education settings have an understanding of safeguarding and ensure that there are systems in place to support staff to understand and discharge their roles and responsibilities. This includes the provision of safeguarding training to prevent and protect children from abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm, educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers. We are currently considering updating this guidance.

The ten-year strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse has been consulted on and responses are being analysed currently. A Summary of Consultation Responses report will be published by 31 December. The responses will shape the final version of the strategy and the first three-year delivery plan. The strategy covers all forms of child sexual abuse including harmful sexual behaviour exhibited by young people towards other young people.

The Minister for Children and Social Care has recently announced a Strengthening Safeguarding Review will be undertaken which will focus on core governance structures including the National Independent Safeguarding Board, Regional Safeguarding Boards and Inspectorates, including Estyn. The review will explore the effectiveness of current arrangements, identify opportunities for strengthening, and target areas for further work.