Decision details

The DfE has made available grant funding to establish SAFE Taskforces in 10 local authority areas across the country, as part of the cross-government Beating Crime Plan published in July 2021, which announced investment in specialist support in schools in serious violence hotspots to support young people at risk of involvement in violence to re-engage with education.

The primary intervention to be funded through this grant in Leeds is Educational Inclusion Mentoring, which will be delivered predominantly by the East Area Inclusion Partnership (AIP). This provision will run from October 2022 to March 2025. Alongside and in support of this intervention, the Leeds SAFE Taskforce wants to commission a pro social skills training offer for schools and young people; a bespoke package of training and support for the Educational Inclusion Mentors; and some targeted after-school provision.

The Director of Children & Families gave permission to undertake a competitive tender process for services to support the reduction in serious youth violence through improved attendance and engagement at school. The contract will commence as soon as practicable (October/November 2022) and will expire on 31st March 2025. The maximum contract value will be £620k.

The Leeds SAFE Taskforce has been established with all key stakeholders to be represented, including schools. Consultation has been taken and will continue throughout the programme with schools, including AIP Chairs. 

AIP chairs representing schools in the East and North-West of the City; Safer Leeds; West Yorks Violence Reduction Unit; Leeds CAMHS; West Yorks Police; Leeds Youth Justice Service; virtual School Head; Educational Psychology; third sector organisations; wider Leeds schools Heads.