Children with SEND most at risk from youth violence

Today, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), His Majesty’s Inspector of the Inspector of the Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), and HMI Probation published a report that finds widespread youth violence across the country disproportionately affects children with special educational needs.

With children as young as 11 carrying knives for their own “protection”, the report delivers findings from six area inspections across children’s social care, health services, schools, the police, and youth justice services, to see how these services work together to respond to serious youth violence.

Initiatives to tackle youth violence strategies include working with children and their communities to address local needs, access to proper education and support, and opportunities to develop their own interests and skills. The report showcases an example of a young person finding an apprenticeship to develop their love of sport, and the resulting child becoming engaged and interested in their own future education.

The report also finds that serious youth violence particularly affects children and young people with unidentified needs, particularly those considered neurodivergent. Consequently, the report recommends that government and local agencies prioritise children most at risk, such as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver said: “Knife crime is blighting the lives of too many children in England. It’s a national scandal. It’s very disturbing that children as young as 11 feel they need to carry a knife for their own protection.”

Lucy Harte, deputy director for multiagency operations at CQC said: “The impact of serious youth violence is an insidious harm that people working in health services share the opportunity and responsibility to challenge. As well as the extent and impact being more serious than many adults realise, the inspection evidence also highlights that particular groups are at increased risk, such as children and young people with SEND.”

Michelle Skeer of HMICFRS said: “I am encouraged that the police and their safeguarding partners in most areas are increasingly working with schools and other education providers to reduce the risks children face. Forces must continue to strengthen their partnerships, communicate effectively, and share information consistently to protect children.”