Commenting as the government publishes its strategy to tackle misogyny and violence against women and girls, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“School leaders have long been raising concerns about increasing misogyny and violence against women and girls.

“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. It's positive that the Government has recognised the importance of ensuring that school staff are provided specialist training and support – something school leaders have long called for. This will help to enable them to respond consistently and confidently to emerging needs and challenges. The training must be delivered to teachers across all phases of education.

“It’s worth noting that all schools already deliver Relationships Education as part of the statutory RSHE curriculum and this focusses on supporting pupils to understand what makes healthy and respectful relationships as well as what makes a relationship unsafe and how to seek help.

“However, schools are just part of the solution, and while they can and do play a vital role in reducing and preventing harmful and concerning sexual behaviours among children and young people, they and families must be able to turn to other support services – with the capacity and resources required – for additional expertise, advice and help.

“Misogyny and violence against women and girls 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.”