Two of the borough’s schools are to receive funding from mayor of London Sadiq Khan to provide summer activities for vulnerable young people.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Jo Richardson Community School is to receive funding for a summer school. Picture: Jo RichardsonJo Richardson Community School is to receive funding for a summer school. Picture: Jo Richardson (Image: Archant)

Eastbury Community School in Barking and Jo Richardson Community School in Dagenham are two of 15 schools receiving a share of a £750,000 pot to offer a two-week summer school of educational and team building activities to pupils set to start Year 7.

The Stepping Stones programme targets pupils classed as “vulnerable” and at risk of disengaging with school and being drawn into criminal activity.

Pupils can be classed as vulnerable if they have poor attendance, low attainment or an older sibling with a history of gang involvement or police contact.

Mr Khan said: “Stepping Stones offers help, advice and support to young people, giving them structure during the summer holidays - as well as sustained support during their first year of secondary school - a time when the most vulnerable can be led astray.”