INVESTIGATORS are look into whether disgraced entertainer Jimmy Savile abused children at an Oxfordshire special school.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has this morning announced a list of more than 20 children's homes and schools across England where there are claims that Savile may have abused youngsters.

The list includes the former Action for Children-run institution Penhurst School, in Chipping Norton.

Allegations dating back to the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s have been handed to the Department for Education (DfE) following a review of documents by the Metropolitan Police.

Local authorities and other relevant institutions have been asked to further investigate the claims, Mr Gove said in a written statement.

Penhurst closed last year. It was a school for children with profound disabilities.

Mr Gove said that, to ensure consistency with the NHS Savile investigations, he would repeat arrangements put in place by the Department of Health to oversee the new inquiries.

Human rights lawyer Lucy Scott-Moncrieff will oversee the process, undertaking a similar role to Kate Lampard in the NHS trust investigations, he added.

"I have asked Lucy Scott-Moncrieff to ensure that investigating organisations take all practicable steps to establish what happened and why at the time of the incidents, and any lessons there might be to inform current safeguarding practice in our schools and children's homes," Mr Gove said.