The website Everyone’s Invited has recorded 8,000 testimonies of sexual abuse from pupils, including harassment and sexual violence.
The UK government this week announced a review into safeguarding in schools.
The nature of the issues at the two Jersey schools is not clear, but in a statement, Chief Minister John Le Fondré, who is also currently Children’s and Education Minister, said: ‘I am aware, following recent events in England, that Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College Jersey have jointly written to parents and students concerning the experiences of some students, which are being looked into.
‘The Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills is working with these schools, and across the whole of the school community, to ensure that the necessary support is in place for anyone with concerns.
‘The department is also investigating whether any safeguarding issues, recently identified and being reviewed in English schools, are prevalent in Jersey schools.
‘I have instructed officers to step up support for young people who may be affected, which includes the free and confidential helpline below from the Youth Enquiry Service.
‘There is already a range of support available for young people through the Jersey Youth Service, Kooth Jersey and the Children and Families Hub. Over the Easter holidays the Jersey Youth Enquiry Service free and confidential helpline will be open every day for any young person who has concerns.’
Advice from the government: Support for young people:
- The YES project (Youth Enquiry Service) offers information, advice and counselling for Young People up to 25 years old. It is free to call on 0800 7350 010 and is open from 12pm – 8pm every day.
- Kooth Jersey provides a safe, moderated and non-judgmental place for young people to talk, connect and chat with others and know they are not alone. The service offers drop-in or bookable sessions with professional counsellors between 12pm and 10pm on weekdays and between 6pm and 10pm on weekends. Young people can access Kooth by visiting www.kooth.com and selecting ‘Jersey Kooth’ during the sign up process.
- The Children and Families Hub offers support and help for safeguarding concerns. Call the hub on 519000 or email childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je
- If a child is at immediate risk call the police on 999
- The confidential UK NSPCC Helpline – Report Abuse in Education can be reached on 0800 136 663, or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk
