Agenda item

The Director of Education will be in attendance to provide further evidence and respond to members’ questions in relation to the panel’s review of ‘Violence Against Women and Girls – How to Tackle It’ 

The Chair introduced the Interim Director of Education and reminded the Panel that, at its previous meeting, it had been agreed that Children’s Services would be invited to provide evidence in relation to current work on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This was to include a focus on the role of education, healthy relationships, prevention and early intervention, and alignment with the national VAWG strategy.

The Interim Director of Education provided an overview of the key responsibilities of the education directorate, noting that these had evolved over time, particularly in the context of increased academisation. These responsibilities included ensuring sufficient school places, oversight of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a range of safeguarding duties, such as elective home education, children missing from education, alternative provision, exclusions, and supporting those at risk of exclusion.

The Interim Director of Education advised that responsibility for curriculum delivery, including education relating to healthy relationships, sits with individual schools and academy trusts and curriculum is monitored through the national inspection framework. It was emphasised that the local authority does not deliver this aspect of education and has limited direct involvement in overseeing curriculum content.

A Member referred to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) data presented at a previous meeting, noting that the figures were concerning, and queried the role of Children’s Services in addressing this. In response, the Interim Director of Education referred to the national VAWG strategy, including proposals for increased investment in training for schools and the development of pilot hubs to share good practice. It was noted that any relevant information or updates would be shared with schools through existing forums, such as Headteacher panels. The Director also suggested that the Panel may wish to seek evidence directly from schools to understand how these themes are reflected within the curriculum.

A Member acknowledged that relationships between the local authority and schools are now more indirect and queried what mechanisms were in place to identify and respond to concerns where a pupil may be affected by issues related to VAWG. In response, the Interim Director of Education outlined a number of existing arrangements, including the safeguarding partnership, the Inclusion and Outreach Service, and the Educational Psychology Service, which provide support to schools and assist in identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns.

A Member queried whether there was a consistent curriculum model in place across schools to support the teaching of healthy relationships. The Director reiterated that responsibility for curriculum delivery rests with individual schools and suggested that the Panel may wish to seek assurance directly in this regard.

It was further queried what preventative work with young men was being undertaken through Early Help services and Children’s Safeguarding. In response, the Interim Director of Education advised that some relevant activity was likely to take place through the Safeguarding Partnership, and that schools may also commission their own training and support. However, it was noted that further information would need to be obtained, and the Director undertook to provide a response to the Panel outside of the meeting.

A Member queried whether there were designated officers within schools to whom concerns could be raised. In response, the Interim Director of Education advised that safeguarding arrangements had strengthened over time, with designated safeguarding leads now well established.

A Member asked whether there were any links between children missing education and VAWG. In response, it was advised that processes for tracking children missing education had been strengthened through recent legislative developments, including the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

In conclusion, officers highlighted that there are links between VAWG prevention and both education and wider Children’s Social Care activity, including the work of the Safeguarding Partnership. It was noted that the national VAWG strategy places a strong emphasis on supporting young people and driving cultural change, particularly in relation to behaviours and attitudes. Members were advised that where preventative work is introduced, this can often lead to increased awareness and reporting and may therefore result in a rise in referrals to the Multi-Agency Children’s Hub (MACH).

Agreed that:

•         The information from the Interim Director of Education be noted.

•         Further information to be sought from Children’s Services on VAWG preventative work with young men through Early Help services and Children’s Safeguarding.