The Government has committed £6.5m to place social workers in schools to help spot the signs of child abuse and neglect.

The funding will see social workers go into 150 schools to work alongside teaching staff.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘The stark reality is that too many children are growing up at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. These are the most vulnerable in society, and the ones that most need our help. For these children, schools offer a safe space to get support, develop resilience and fulfil their potential.

’That is why, as schools begin opening more widely and we look to the future, we must take all the steps we can to protect these children. By bringing social workers into schools we can spot the warning signs more quickly.’