A new report from Ofsted and three other inspectorates has revealed the alarming extent of serious youth violence in England. The findings show that children as young as 11 are carrying knives for “protection,” reflecting a crisis that is affecting communities nationwide and not limited to urban areas.
The joint report, authored by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), and HM Inspectorate of Probation, stems from inspections across six regions. It tracks the experiences of hundreds of children and examines how local partnerships among social care, health services, schools, police, and youth justice agencies respond to serious youth violence.
Key findings include a 2023 Youth Endowment Fund survey showing that one in four children in England and Wales had either been victims of violence or perpetrated it. Nearly half (47%) had witnessed violence in the past year, and 60% reported seeing violent acts on social media.
Inspectors noted that some safeguarding partnerships failed to treat serious violence as a priority issue, leaving vulnerable children at greater risk. Many professionals inadvertently harmed children by blaming them for their experiences or failing to recognise their need for protection. Black children, in particular, were more likely to be “adultified” – treated as if they were older than their years – and denied appropriate support.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were found to be disproportionately affected. The report recommends that local agencies and government prioritise targeted support for at-risk children, including those who are neurodivergent or face unmet needs.
The report highlights examples of success, such as securing an apprenticeship for a young person passionate about sport, which helped them find direction and avoid harmful behaviours. However, the inspectors warned that these positive examples are not consistent nationwide.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, described knife crime among children as a “national scandal.” He said: “It is deeply disturbing that children as young as 11 feel they need to carry a knife for protection. Urgent action is needed to keep children safe.”
Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of HM Inspectorate of Probation, emphasised the importance of multi-agency work, saying: “Youth justice services are well-placed to support at-risk children, but intervention must come earlier to reduce harm.”
Michelle Skeer of HMICFRS urged police forces to focus on early intervention, adding: “Officers must act with the child’s best interests in mind while strengthening partnerships with schools and other agencies.”
The report underscores the need for stronger national guidance and training to help professionals better support affected children and their families. It calls for trauma-informed approaches to prevention, involving education, community engagement, and health services.
