It is appalling to think that a small group of yobs can have a negative and destructive impact on the education of some of our youngest school pupils.

But that is exactly what is happening at Atlas Primary School in Manningham which finds itself at the centre of an onslaught of vandalism, theft and reckless drug use.

Costs of the constant damage and stolen property is running into tens of thousands of pounds. But it is impossible to quantify the real cost on the spirit and morale of staff, parents and especially children affected by it.

It must be heartbreaking for them to see projects like trees they have planted themselves and specially-constructed play structures uprooted or smashed to pieces. And more worrying still is the possible consequence of the reckless behaviour of the drug users who have taken to bringing their abuse onto the school grounds.

Cannabis has been found hidden in bushes and needles discarded on school grounds. The possible consequences don’t bear thinking about.

At a time when schools are facing stringent financial checks, wanton destruction of property and theft of precious equipment like laptops is just soul-destroying. It is difficult to understand the mentality of those responsible.

Some must live in the surrounding area and be aware of the impact this is having, possibly on their little brother’s or sister’s education.

Anyone who knows anybody responsible for these acts must do something about it. This behaviour is way beyond youthful high jinks and has to be stamped out.

In the meantime, the school is desperate for help with its security. It would be nice to think there might be a community firm that would step forward. It won’t solve all the school’s problems by any means – but it would help to restore some faith in people’s decency.