School police patrols to tackle bullying and playground violence

In a clear bid to outflank David Cameron over schools policy, the Chancellor also signalled he would give extra powers to teachers to intervene against disruptive pupils.

Mr Brown promised more government cash for pupil referral units that take in expelled children and suggested he would also fund more charities that have a good record in getting youths to abandon their bad behaviour and get back into education.

Speaking at an event organised by the charity Beatbullying in Croydon, he made clear that a new drive against violence in the classroom and playground would be one of his key policies after entering Downing Street this summer.

Mr Brown, who was accompanied by Labour chairman Hazel Blears, announced plans for Community Police Units to regularly patrol schools at the request of headteachers who want more back-up to prevent and tackle discipline problems.

Although some education authorities are wary of being too "heavy handed" with playground scuffles, teaching unions have long called for police patrols to help cut down on attacks on staff as well as pupils.

Labour's "safer schools" initiative has tested the practice in recent years, with some having police based permanently on the premises in mini-stations while others share officers with neighbouring schools.

Officers based in schools patrol the school, its grounds and surrounding streets.

Some children's charities object to the idea, claiming that it "criminalises" children for minor incidents. In recent months, an 11-year-old boy spent three hours in a police cell after he brandished a plastic toy gun at a schoolmate.

But Mr Brown believes the benefits outweigh the concerns and is keen to expand pilot schemes, rolling the idea out across the country. He points to the fact that the Youth Justice Board has found that those schools that have drafted in police officers have prevented an average of 40 incidents per year.

He said that Mr Cameron's "obsession" with the extension or reduction of grammar schools ignores "the real challenge facing parents, schools, local authorities and the Government".

"How do we ensure that every child in every school is able to learn in an environment where teachers are respected, classrooms are not disrupted, playgrounds are safe, and where from the moment pupils leave home in the morning to the time they return home in the afternoon, they are protected from bullying - not just in the classroom, corridor and playground, but in the streets, at the bus stops, and on the buses - with the contribution of local Police Authorities?" he said.

The Chancellor also signalled that his government would enforce tough new powers "to help teachers stop the You Can't Touch Me' and I'm Not In School' culture". He said that he will give public backing to teachers who intervene physically to restrain or remove aggressive pupils, and will give clear authority for schools to enforce detentions, suspensions and other punishments.

Mr Brown will ask for a report within six months to see how the new powers are working, and he will ask for parents to be consulted about whether they are working and what more needs to be done.