A £2.3 million scheme to provide extra support for children who missed out on education during lockdown was announced today.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said young Londoners were left disadvantaged by months away from school at a vital time in their lives.
London’s Violence Reduction Unit will help deliver dedicated one-to-one mentoring support for those with complex needs at Pupil Referral Units in all 32 London boroughs to prevent crime.
Included in the package, is £1.4m of funding to help youngsters at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs to remain in 200 schools in 16 areas.
The funding will also help grassroots community groups in high crime areas reach 10 to 18-year-olds at risk of exclusion or violence after school between 3 and 7pm.
Mr Khan, who this morning visited a programme at London East Alternate Provision in Tower Hamlets, said: “My plan to tackle violent crime in London means being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.
“Those causes are extremely complex and involve deep-seated problems, like inequality, poverty, social alienation and a lack of opportunities for young people.
"These issues have been made far worse by the growing illegal drugs market.”
Lib Peck, Director of London’s VRU, said: “With children returning to school following a lengthy period away, it’s now more important than ever that we give schools and Pupil Referral Units the support they need to keep all pupils fully engaged in their education.
“We know the importance of education in a young person’s life and we’re determined to do everything we can to provide the support young Londoners need to stay in school and have the positive opportunities they deserve.”
