Anti-bullying Programmes

Descriptions

This competitive exercise is being run by the Department for Education to provide one or more organisations with funding to implement new Anti-bullying support programmes for Schools. No child should feel afraid of coming to school. Bullying is never acceptable - whether in person or online. Schools should be safe places where children are taught to respect each other and staff. Pupils should understand the value of education and appreciate the impact their actions can have on others. This culture should extend beyond the classroom to the corridors, dining hall and playground, as well as beyond the school gates. We expect schools to take a strong stand against all forms of bullying. Schools should take action to prevent bullying, and to tackle it at the earliest opportunity when it does occur, so it does not escalate. This is particularly important given the impact it can have on pupils both emotionally and physically. The Department's advice on behaviour and discipline makes clear that having a whole school policy, consistently applied, with clear systems of rewards and sanctions is key to securing good behaviour. Pupils will be happier and achieve more if they are free from disruption and fear of bullying. The purpose of this funding is to embed practice to help to prevent and tackle bullying in schools, including that of pupils with protected characteristics such as LGBT, SEND, race or religion / and belief or sexual/sexist based bullying. Bids should demonstrate how they will increase the quality of support and information available to schools; ensure support is based on the evidence about what works in this space; and how they will embed practice into other areas such as Relationships, Sex and Health Education. As a result of this programme, we would expect to see a reduction in the prevalence of bullying, including that of pupils with protected characteristics, as well as increased school confidence and ability to respond to incidents of bullying effectively.