Grooming gangs expert Professor Alexis Jay will oversee the work. She has also been appointed as the new chair of the Scottish government’s national group on child sex abuse.

The review will be central to any future decision on whether or not there should be a judge-led public inquiry.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Our thoughts are with victims of child abuse who have already suffered so much – this matter must be handled sensitively and with the utmost respect and consideration for their experiences.

“The issue of group-based sexual abuse and exploitation of children is sensitive and complex, and the Scottish government has been giving it very detailed consideration. We have been clear that we are prepared to give every consideration to an inquiry on this issue, and that any such decision needs to be based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to it.

“Professor Alexis Jay has extensive expertise in this area, and her insights will be invaluable to Ministers as this work is taken forward.

“I have written to the leaders and spokespeople of other political parties to offer a briefing with Professor Jay and Police Scotland on this work in the new year.”

Professor Jay said: “I am pleased to take on the role of chair of the national group, and to build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors, Iona Colvin and Sarah Taylor.

“There is much to do and do quickly. The work of the independent Inspectorates should provide the evidence for Scottish ministers to determine whether further action is required to disrupt child sexual exploitation in Scotland.”