Pupils barred over ‘sex acts’

THERE have been a minimum of 68 incidents of a child being involved in a “sexual act” in Oldham schools since 2010.

Records show that hundreds of pupils have also been banned from class for sexual misconduct from assault to harassment and bullying.

Other incidents include inappropriate touching, lewd behaviour and sexual graffiti. Some involved children as young as four and five but 13, 14 and 15-year-olds were the most likely to be sanctioned.

The investigation found there were more than 2,000 reported incidents in England between January 2010, and September 2013. The true figure is likely to be higher, as almost two-thirds of the 153 authorities couldn’t or wouldn’t disclose numbers.

The figures count all incidents with a “sexual” context - even what many parents might consider natural childish curiosity

In Oldham at least three incidents involved primary schools pupils. There were 65 incidents in secondary schools. No details have been given. In addition there were 64 suspensions and two permanent exclusions.

Child welfare charities described the figures as “extremely concerning”.

Jon Brown of the NSPCC, said: “Exposure to extreme, sometimes sexually violent and degrading material is now only a few clicks away and this can warp young people’s views of what is normal and acceptable sexual behaviour.