Anti-Bullying Week

It’s Anti-Bullying Week across the UK and our primary schools have been busy ensuring their pupils understand and embrace the principles of this important theme.

Many VIAT primary schools have Anti-Bullying Ambassadors from Year 5 and Year 6, who work closely with teachers and their peers to be positive role models and to proactively to promote anti-bullying. These pupils are trained by The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme to carry out their role, which means:

• They are passionate and committed about stopping bullying in their school;
• They know what bullying is and what type of behaviour is and isn’t bullying;
• They work with their peers and staff to stop bullying in their school;
• They are someone who is kind, empathetic, a good listener and supports their peers;
• They help to run days in their school that raise awareness of bullying and promote kindness;
• They celebrate the things that make everyone special and unique;
• They keep everyone up to date with all the brilliant Anti-Bullying work their school does.

Across the schools, these pupils support children on the playground each day and look out for children who may appear to be on their own, subsequently supporting them to find others to join up with.

At several of the schools, there are Buddy Benches, where children can go if they would like to find someone to play with or if find themselves lonely and on their own. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors keep an eye on the bench during playtime to ensure no child is left feeling isolated and alone.

The Ambassadors also have the skills and knowledge to support children with minor disputes and disagreements. There is always a Teaching Assistant on duty and, if children are unable to support in a specific issue or if  there is a more serious event, they know to seek support from an adult.

This week, some VIAT primary schools have taken part in an Anti-Bullying lessons, assemblies and even webinars. The children have developed their understanding of what bullying is and how respect can be shown within a variety of settings, for example, the classroom, the playground, with peers and at home. Many have also taken part in Odd Socks Day this week, which sees pupils wearing odd socks to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion and that being different is something to be proud of.