Nacro response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Knife Crime, ‘Back to School?’

In response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Knife Crime, ‘Back to School?’ Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said:
“Young people at risk of school exclusion and offending often have a complex set of social, emotional, psychological and educational back-stories that require tackling head-on to prevent a downward spiral, and we know that 85% of young people within youth custodial settings in England have been excluded from school.

“We have seen first-hand how students at our Education and Skills Centres across the country have been able to ‘break the cycle’ with the right educational, work experience and life support interventions, to follow a path of positive behaviours, leading them to achieve educational success and embark upon a career. Support to help resolve issues such as poor mental health, family breakdown, and poverty are essential. However, essential alternative provision and support for vulnerable young people pre- and post-16 is under threat due to less  funding. As the APPG rightly highlight, all education providers must have the funding and backing they need to support vulnerable children. Without this, the risk that some of our most vulnerable young people will become increasingly marginalised and isolated remains, making the likelihood of offending behaviour and involvement in knife crime even greater.”