Violence against Women and Girls Prevention in Schools 2024-11-13
2024-11-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the prevalence of sexual harassment and harmful sexual practices in schools, as highlighted by Ofsted's 2021 rapid review.
If she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of primary prevention measures in schools in tackling violence against women and girls. We know that sexual violence is a critical problem in our schools. In 2021, in response to Ofsted's rapid review, 92% of girls and 74% of boys said that sexist names were used “sometimes” or “a lot”. Harassment of this kind has become commonplace in educational settings, and harmful sexual practices are becoming a risk. Will the Minister meet me, and White Ribbon UK, to discuss how primary prevention measures can be introduced into school curriculums to tackle violence against women and girls?
Education has a role to play in the prevention of violence against women and girls, and it is essential to the Government's safer streets mission. We are reviewing the relationship, sex and health education guidance to ensure that it enables schools to tackle harmful behaviour, because we are determined to ensure that misogyny is stamped out and not allowed to proliferate in schools. I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that issue further. She brings real expertise from her background in education, and it is essential that we do more to tackle the behaviour that she has identified. I welcome the work of White Ribbon, and I hope other Members will be able to support that work later this month.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific assessment or timeline for introducing primary prevention measures into school curriculums.
We Are Reviewing
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows from the initial query, focusing on a direct meeting to discuss specific measures for preventing violence against women and girls in schools.
Will the Minister meet me, and White Ribbon UK, to discuss how primary prevention measures can be introduced into school curriculums to tackle violence against women and girls?
I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that issue further. She brings real expertise from her background in education, and it is essential that we do more to tackle the behaviour that she has identified. I welcome the work of White Ribbon, and I hope other Members will be able to support that work later this month.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to a specific timeline or plan for introducing primary prevention measures.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the importance of teacher-student relationships in identifying and addressing issues such as bullying or problems originating at home.
When it comes to young boys and young girls in schools, and when it comes to bullying and, sometimes, things that happen at home, the relationship between the teacher or classroom assistant and the pupil is very important, making it possible to identify problems that may arise at home and then roll over into school. Can the Minister give us some idea of what is being done to improve that relationship, so that children who fall by the wayside can be saved?
The hon. Gentleman has raised an important issue. It is crucial for teachers and school staff to have what they need in order to tackle harmful behaviour and language in schools. Sadly, sometimes the very staff he talks about are on the receiving end of such attitudes and behaviour, which is completely unacceptable. As Education Secretary, I will do all I can to ensure that school staff and teachers in England have the support they need in tackling behaviour of this kind.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific steps or a timeline for improving teacher-student relationships.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy