Children as young as 11 are carrying knives due to feeling unsafe, according to a report by inspectorates, which has highlighted the widespread impact of serious youth violence across communities. The report, a joint study by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), HMI Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and HMI Probation, found that serious youth violence goes beyond what many adults realise, impacting whole communities. The study involved six joint targeted area inspections in Leeds, Coventry, Somerset, Manchester, Merton, and Lancashire, tracking the experiences of hundreds of children between September 2023 and May 2024.
The findings revealed that children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (Send), are disproportionately at risk of serious youth violence. Many children are resorting to carrying knives as a means of self-protection, with reports indicating that even children as young as 11 are involved in such activities. The fear of knife crime is palpable among children, as highlighted by inspectors who were taken aback by how common it is for children to carry knives.
The report also stressed the urgent need for the Government and local agencies to prioritise the needs of children at the highest risk of harm, especially those with Send. It pointed out delays in assessing children’s needs in relation to Send across England, putting these vulnerable children at even greater risk. The inspectorates called for action to address the over-representation of black and ethnic minority children affected by serious youth violence.
While some areas exhibited effective measures to reduce harm, the report noted that this was not consistent across the board. There is a pressing need for partnerships to recognise serious youth violence as a safeguarding issue systematically to better protect children. Instances were highlighted where professionals overlooked the harmful consequences of their responses to children, with black children being disproportionately affected.
Separate research commissioned by Ofsted from charity Safer London highlighted the lack of empathy families affected by serious youth violence often face from professionals. The insights from the report compelled Sir Martyn Oliver, chief inspector of Ofsted, to denounce knife crime as a national scandal affecting too many children. Urging collaborative efforts among local partnerships, Oliver highlighted the importance of improving practices to ensure the safety of children.
Addressing the impact of serious youth violence, Michelle Skeer of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary stressed the vital role of police forces in intervening early to mitigate risks to children and young people. The report also underlined the responsibility of health services to challenge the harm caused by serious youth violence, particularly towards vulnerable groups like children with Send. While highlighting successful instances of partnership work, the report emphasised the need for more consistent efforts to protect at-risk children across all areas.
In conclusion, the report serves as a wake-up call to the authorities and communities to take urgent action in safeguarding children from the far-reaching consequences of serious youth violence. The safety and well-being of children, especially those most vulnerable, must be prioritised through collaborative and consistent efforts by all stakeholders involved.