Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 61
61
Accepted
Child protection reforms welcomed, requiring careful monitoring and better data on abuse prevalence.
Conclusion
The Department for Education’s reforms to child protection through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill are welcome and go some way towards alleviating many of the concerns we have heard in this inquiry. There will be a need for careful testing and monitoring to assess the impact they are having and make any necessary changes as they are rolled out. However, there is a need for better data to fully understand the true prevalence of child abuse and neglect. (Conclusion, Paragraph 154)
Government Response Summary
The government is collaborating with the ONS to develop the Safety During Childhood survey, piloting it in 2025-26 with results expected late 2026-2027, to gather better data on child safety and abuse. They are also discussing future funding and will continue to explore opportunities for progress.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Department is collaborating with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to develop the Safety During Childhood survey, which will gather insights from children and young people on safety and wellbeing, including experiences of violence and abuse. The pilot, funded by the Home Office for 2025–26, will consist of two components: a school-based survey targeting pupils in years 8 to 11 (with findings expected in late 2027), and an online survey for 16–25-year-olds (with results anticipated in late 2026). Discussions are ongoing regarding future funding to support the continuation of this work. Recognising the importance of strengthening the evidence base on abuse and neglect, the Department will continue working with ONS and other government bodies to explore further opportunities for progress. These efforts aim to inform policy and improve support for children and young people by providing a clearer picture of the prevalence and nature of abuse and neglect across the country.