The London Youth Crime Prevention Board is putting together a safer schools benchmark that will be used to recognise schools doing a good job in helping children to stay safe, keep out of trouble and make a positive contribution. The standard will also be linked to a new award for schools that work in partnership with the police and other key services.

The board was set up last summer and brings together a number of organisations including the Association of London Directors of Children's Services, the Youth Justice Board and the Metropolitan Police.

Lord Victor Adebowale, chairman of the board and chief executive of social care organisation Turning Point, said: "We will need everyone in London to help build a prevention umbrella over our young Londoners. The work of the London Youth Crime Prevention Board is not about meetings or reports - it is about action."