Local schools given special recognition for anti-bullying work

Thirty schools and colleges across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have achieved a gold, silver or bronze 'All Together' against bullying award.

The government funded programme led by the Anti Bullying Alliance aims to reduce bullying in schools, particularly of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs (SEND).

Schools worked to achieve ‘All Together School’ status by evidencing their activity to improve their school approach to bullying, how they’ve worked to reduce bullying and improve well-being.

Councillor Nicola Greene, Portfolio Holder for COVID, Public Health and Education said:

"The All Together project 2017 to 2021 has had a positive impact on our schools locally and I am really proud of their achievements. The national report by the Anti Bullying Alliance concluded that schools that have participated in the programme have not only seen a reduction in bullying but improvements in pupil’s behaviour and wellbeing. As a result of the project, the school experience for children attending ‘All Together’ schools is likely to have been more positive and in particular for pupils with SEND and those in receipt of Free School Meals."

This is what some of our schools have said about the programme.

"We don’t have bullying at our school. If it was to happen the teachers would take this very seriously. Even if the bully has something going on in their life, it is not acceptable to take this out on others. Both the bully and the victim would then be supported by our teachers." Year 5 student, Avonwood Primary.

"The project was a fantastic way to be able to pinpoint the areas for improvement. We now have strategies in place to create a safer and more respectful environment." Baden Powell and St Peter’s Junior School.

"It has given our children confidence to understand bullying situations and the roles people play in them. Pupils are now able to break down scenarios in the playground and start to manage conflict due to consistent language used throughout the school." St Katharine’s CE (VA) Primary.

"The school has put in a robust (anti-bullying) policy. It has helped the staff to understand what bullying is as opposed to friendship issues and this has had an impact on the way incidents are dealt with." Canford Heath Infants.

"The project allowed us to systematically review our current practice and highlight areas to further develop promoting anti discriminatory practice at school." Poole High School

Schools awarded ‘All Together School’ anti-bullying status are listed below: