The Department for Education has announced that schools in crime “hotspots” across the country at risk of violence and involvement in county lines gangs will be offered targeted support to boost pupils’ attendance and prevent exclusions.
Backed by £30 million of funding as part of a rollout of 10 ‘SAFE’ (Support, Attend, Fulfil, Exceed) task forces, the DfE said the scheme will be led by local school leaders in targeted areas to help prevent pupils from becoming involved in criminal activity, with a focus on improving attendance, reducing permanent exclusions and maintaining focus on education.
The government also announced 21 schools will benefit from alternative provision specialist taskforces, which work with pupils in alternative provision (AP) settings to offer support from mental health professionals, family workers, and speech and language therapists.
Background: ‘Strong link’ between exclusions and drugs gangs
News: Safeguarding: Is your school tackling ‘county lines’?
Related: Schools told to protect pupils from ‘county lines’
The latest announcement focused on school attendance comes after the DfE said last week that it had hired five ex-headteachers and local authority chiefs as “attendance advisers” to schools struggling with persistent absence.
Will Quince, children and families minister, said: “Keeping young people engaged with their education has never been more important.
“These task forces are helping school leaders and vital support services work together to support some of the most vulnerable young people across the country, helping to keep them on the right track and stop them [from] missing lessons.
“Through the work of these task forces, combined with our ongoing SEND Review, the independent review of children’s social care, and our investment in Alternative Provision and other specialist support, this government is levelling up opportunities for all young people to help fulfil their potential and achieve better outcomes.”
The areas targeted by the SAFE Taskforce scheme are Birmingham, Newham, Manchester, Lambeth, Leeds, Southwark, Sheffield, Bradford, Liverpool and Haringey.
