Birmingham schools at risk of feeding gangs
Mar 24 2009 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail
The list has been produced with the backing of the Home Office, West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council for a council meeting today.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said that the document was produced for teachers and head teachers to help them understand, recognise and tackle gang problems.
“It is designed as a serious response to a serious issue and not aimed at the wider public,” he said.
“The aim remains clear, to work with schools and raise awareness of teaching staff in spotting the tell-tale signs.”
A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: “Gang culture is not rife in the schools listed and we do not want to alarm parents. “
At the same time, he said, they needed to involve schools and teachers and help them recognise the signs of gang involvement.
But Mr Mahmood (Lab, Perry Barr) said: “It is completely irresponsible to name these schools in this way.
“Any list of this sort should be confidential, for police and head teachers. By broadcasting it could become a badge of honour for youngsters.”
Coun Hunt (Lib Dem, Perry Barr), who is chair of the city’s education scrutiny committee, said: “I am flabbergasted by this.
“By all means identify the issue and explain what is going on, but the schools should not be named in this way.
“It is outrageous. Even if parents are moving children out of inner city areas to suburban schools it is to give them a chance in life. This just stigmatises all the children in an area.
“Results are improving at schools, Perry Beeches is the most improved school in the country, and even suggesting a link could undo years of good work.”
• The Street Influence publication, which was being presented to a council inquiry today, talks about gang culture in Birmingham.
It also discusses the glamorized image of gangs, how affiliations are developed at school, the language, style and code of gangs and a includes a guide for parents and teachers to recognise the signs of gang membership in teens.
See the full list here
