§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to reduce the amount of vandalism to school premises committed out of school hours. [4451]
§ Mr. TimmsSchools are often most vulnerable to attack when they are closed, and acts of vandalism can have a seriously demoralising effect on schools, with the costs of removing graffiti or replacing broken windows being a drain on resources.
My Department makes specific funding available to local education authorities, through the Standards Fund, to support school security improvements at maintained schools in their areas. This amounts to £22 million per year. The aim of the grant, which was introduced in 1997–98, is not only to make schools safer environments for staff and pupils, which must be the main priority, but also to help reduce the incidence and associated costs of crime in schools. Local education authorities have reported significant reductions in vandalism where schools have had improvements funded from the grant.
We have also produced guidance on reducing crime in schools, such as the booklet "Improving School Security", and the video "Can You See What They See?" A school security website has been established.