Tuesday 23 September 2008

I started the day today at the Safer Schools Event at the Royal Armouries...

The morning, demonstrated for me, the developing partnership here in Leeds between Education Leeds, the City Council, the Royal Armouries, the West Yorkshire Police and some of our schools to ensure that our young people are safe. I know that we all recognise that this is a hugely important local, regional and national issue, so where were the headteachers!

As always there are so many areas where Leeds is leading the way with this vital agenda:
  • Our 'No to Knives' Campaign;
  • Our Weapons Awareness Programmes;
  • Our 'Be Healthy, Stay Safe' Programme;
  • Our 'The Power of Me' Initiative;
  • Our creative approaches throuigh Artforms;
  • Our Alternative Programmes;
  • The South Leeds Partnership;
  • And much, much more!

I recognise that everyone is busy but we must all work hard to develop an entitlement for all young people in Leeds; through a coherent and joined up approach with intensive programmes that additionally target the most vulnerable and those at risk of offending as well as those who fall into the Youth Justice System.

With an issue like this we need to engage young people, parents and carers, communities, faith groups, local politicians and school based colleagues to build consensus, commitment and local action. This would help us build strong, vibrant and harmonious communities around our increasingly successful schools.

This morning provided a strong platform on which we must continue to build brilliant!

Chris

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