Responding to the Women and Equalities Committee report into sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Schools play a vital role in reducing and preventing harmful and concerning sexual behaviours among children and young people, as well as dealing with any incidents which do occur in schools.

"However, we need to ensure all school staff are equipped to deal with the challenges they are facing, with high-quality training, guidance on best practice approaches and sufficient support services for schools to turn to for expertise, advice, and guidance. This report notes that, in too many cases, schools lack the funding and time to deliver RSHE effectively, and we welcome the call for better funding and support.

“Of course, this is a problem that reaches far beyond the school gates. Government, health, social care, police, and parents all have a significant contribution to make too; the onus cannot just be on schools to solve.”