Teachers must be on the lookout for gangs, warns minister

Children face gang-related bullying in schools where criminal elements have infiltrated the playground, schools minister Jim Knight has warned.

He said teachers should make sure uniforms and other clothes did not become "confused" with gang colours.

Mr Knight was speaking at the Lambeth Summer Projects centre in Tulse Hill, where youths at risk of falling into crime take part in activities such as archery and computer workshops. He said the problem was isolated, but some pupils were increasingly keen to identify themselves with gangs.

"Some young people do have worries about gang-related bullying and incidents in schools," he said, but added: "It's more likely that people would define their gangs around where they live rather than in school."

Government guidance had helped teachers recognise the problems posed by gangs and act to keep trouble out of schools, the minister added. "We have a responsibility to address these problems outside the school gate both for their own sake but also to make it safer for schools," he added.