Yehudi Menuhin School response to the IICSA Report on its investigation into residential schools
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has today published a report of its investigation into residential schools. The Yehudi Menuhin School was one of a number of specialist music schools which assisted the Inquiry in the investigation.
This is a substantial report, with over 200 pages of evidence and analysis. We thank the Inquiry for the work which has been undertaken to examine safeguarding in residential schools, including music schools, both before and after the public hearings in 2019.
We note that the report has made a number of recommendations for proposed changes to the legal framework of safeguarding in residential schools. We look forward to the provision of further information by the Department of Education as these recommendations are considered over the coming months. We will also take time to reflect on the recommendations and ensure that the School remains compliant with best practice.
The report makes reference to historical cases, including the actions of a former teacher who died in 1969. There is no place for conduct of this kind in the Yehudi Menuhin School or in any residential music school and we condemn the abuse described in the report.
The School has robust safeguarding arrangements in place, informed by lessons learned from the past, which we continue to review and monitor to ensure they remain in line with best practice. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we are committed to acting in the best interests of every child and to upholding the highest standards in order to protect children and vulnerable groups.
Barnados and the NSPCC are able to provide confidential support to children and young persons, and NAPAC can also give support to adults who suffered abuse as children. For support or advice about safeguarding issues for current or former pupils, the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) can be contacted at DSL@menuhinschool.co.uk
David Buckley, Chair of Governors