St Mary Magdalene Academy

• WE’RE very concerned by recent incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour near St Mary Magdalene Academy, (Protect my pupils from the muggers, January 27).

While law enforcement is ultimately the responsibility of the police, we work tirelessly to support local officers and have already taken immediate action to address these issues.

School headteachers are working with the safer schools team – which links the local police with schools.

In recent months there has been a focus on developing a closer working partnership between the council, secondary school leaders, and the police.

This includes ensuring the effective placement of safer schools officers to keep schools safe, and making sure that resources are deployed where they are most needed.

Closer collaboration has also seen the sharing of a recently drafted safer schools protocol to all schools so that they are clear about who they can contact for additional support. We’re also working with the police on an event in March, to help recruit to three vacant safer schools officer posts.

Local community organisation Jigsaw are also giving additional support to Highbury schools in keeping safe and safety planning.

Earlier this week local police also attended a meeting of the Islington secondary school and college leaders’ network, where we discussed how the police, council and schools can work collaboratively to tackle anti-social behaviour.

As set out in last year’s violence reduction strategy, we will do all we can to create a safer borough, working side-by-side with local people, groups and communities.

We’re determined to give every young person in Islington the best possible start in life, where they can learn, grow and reach their potential. The school gate, and the walk to and from school, must be a safe and welcoming environment for young people.

CLLR MICHELLINE NGONGO
Executive Member for Children, Young People, & Families

CLLR JOHN WOOLF
Executive Member for Community Safety