Published on Monday 15 June 2020
Some 40 schools in the BCP Council area have received an award in recognition for their work to protect school children against bullying.
Primary, middle and secondary schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance - made of partner organisations and funded by the Department of Education - to improve pupil wellbeing and create safer environments where bullying and bad behaviour are not tolerated.
The Anti Bullying Alliance initially began working with local schools following a successful bid by Bournemouth and Poole in 2017. This resulted in 22 local schools achieving awards on completion of the programme for their successful work in combatting bullying. The programme will award schools Bronze, Silver or Gold award in recognition of the measures taken by the schools to allow the school children to thrive, feel secure and listened to. In April a further 18 schools have recently been awarded, of which eight received the Gold Award meaning that they have achieved the highest standards in their work to tackle bullying and improvement in the wellbeing of their pupils.
Councillor Sandra Moore, Portfolio holder for Children and Families said:
"We are very proud of the exceptional work our local schools have taken in their approaches to reduce bullying. These approaches which were before Covid-19 have demonstrated their achievements in reducing bullying and raising self-esteem. The awards demonstrate how well they have tackled unacceptable behaviour which has resulted in an increase in a safe environment and a rise in self-esteem amongst many of the school children."
The national All Together project has been awarded further funding for next year, and BCP schools who have not taken the opportunity before are being encouraged to join the project as well as existing schools who wish to move towards the prestigious Gold award.