London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has brought in an education expert that was responsible for a 90 per cent fall in school exclusions in Glasgow to help support the advancement of its

London Inclusion Charter.

The VRU has appointed Maureen McKenna, the former director of education at Glasgow City Council, as its education consultant and who brings experience of overseeing a fixed-term exclusions drop of 90 per cent over 14 years, which coincided with a 50 per cent reduction in violence. She will bring the principles of inclusion to the complex education picture in London.

Driving down exclusions in the capital is important as evidence shows that children with a history of either suspension or exclusion from school are more likely to be affected by violence. Data shows that whilst less than 1 in 200 children are permanently excluded from school, almost one in two of the prison population were excluded as children.

The VRU, set up and funded by the Mayor of London, has been leading a partnership approach to promote inclusion and nurturing approaches to education because evidence shows it increases the life chances of children and young people and supports them to thrive.

It’s invested £2 million in the Inclusive and Nurturing Schools programme, delivered by charities nurtureuk and Tender, in 70 primary and secondary schools in London. That’s supported by a new £4m programme targeted towards early identification of special educational needs and interventions to support speech and communication skills in primary schools.

This investment is underpinned by the development of a London Inclusion Charter that is built around the voice of children and young people and informed by parents and carers, schools, education specialists and local authorities.

Maureen McKenna will work with the VRU and its Young People’s Action Group in its approach to galvanize action to fully support and prioritise inclusive practices and tackle stark disproportionalities seen in school exclusion and focus on equitable practices in areas such as school curriculums and anti-racism.

Work towards the London Inclusion Charter will include shining a light on good practice, celebrating inclusion and recognising that reducing all forms of exclusion must go hand in hand with increasing young people’s sense of belonging and feelings of safety.

It’s vital that schools and teachers are properly supported in working towards education being fully inclusive, fair and available to all.

The Charter will be shaped by children and young people around their views and solutions to reducing exclusions, supported by education professionals and co-designed locally with and by schools and local authorities.  

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m committed to making education accessible and available to all young Londoners to help them develop and thrive. This is crucial to building a fairer, more equal London for everyone.

“My Violence Reduction Unit is leading the way in tackling school exclusions by investing in programmes that promote inclusion and through the development of a London Inclusion Charter.

“I welcome the appointment of Maureen McKenna who brings strong expertise in working closely with schools and shares our ambition to give every young person the support they need to receive an education that will help fulfil their potential.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said:

“The Violence Reduction Unit is committed to working to make education inclusive for all children and young people. We know being in school makes young people safer, it makes them feel supported and gives them the best opportunity to thrive.

“Maureen McKenna brings a huge amount of experience and determination, having reversed exclusions and led a refocused education system in Glasgow built around the principles of inclusion.

“We’re determined to work with young people, local authorities and teachers to develop a London Inclusion Charter that supports schools in providing inclusive and accessible education that works for all young Londoners.”  

Maureen McKenna, education consultant, said:

“I am delighted to be working with London’s Violence Reduction Unit on this exciting project.

“London's Inclusion Charter will be a call to all in London who are invested in education. I am looking forward to engaging with schools, local authorities and trusts to consider how we can all work together to ensure that each and every one of London's children and young people achieve their potential.

“There is so much good practice already in the city - we must build on this success and continue to place the needs of children and young people at the centre of everything we do.”

Tianna Feisal, a member of the VRU’s Young People’s Action Group, said:

“Inclusive education begins with creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, and empowered. It is about celebrating diversity, recognising that each student brings unique perspectives, talents, and potential to the table. This is something so unique that can only be accomplished by consulting the voices of those at the heart of a classroom: young people.

“For some, school is one of the only environments where they have access to consistent mentorship so it is our responsibility to pursue inclusivity and provide them with whatever they need throughout their journey, be that academic or pastoral. By investing in our young people, we ensure the safety of our communities.” Photo by Michael D Beckwith, Wikimedia commons.