Pupil referral units are a key safety net to help young people stay out of trouble 

Pupil referral units can play an important role in helping keep young people safe and out of trouble - and the government should provide greater resources to local authorities to develop their capacity.

That's London Councils' response to a government White Paper, Back on Track, released today, on pupil referral units (PRUs) - a type of school set up to provide education for children who are either excluded from or unable to attend school.

Working with the London Youth Crime Prevention Board, London Councils has identified PRUs as a key safety net that can help transform the attitudes of young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.

Sixty per cent of 10-16 year olds who commit anti-social behaviour have been suspended or excluded from school, so are likely to be referred to PRUs at some point.

London Councils has called on the government to provide resources for a capital-wide pilot to build the capacity of London's PRUs to become places of positive influence for young people.

Speaking on behalf of London Councils, Councillor Shireen Ritchie said:

"The link between young people who are excluded from school going on to commit anti-social behaviour is clear, and so it is vital that we strengthen the ability of PRUs to provide positive interventions in their lives before it is too late.

"There are many examples of excellent practice in PRUs across London, and we can use these to unlock their potential to act as a capital-wide safety net for vulnerable young people. I urge the government to support us in developing all PRUs across the capital into places of positive influence for young people."