Sixteen schools in Wolverhampton were awarded #YES Anti-Bullying Charter Status at a recent ceremony.
The awards, which are given to schools and youth organisations who demonstrate their commitment to preventing and dealing with bullying among young people, were presented at Molineux Stadium.
To achieve charter status, schools and youth organisations must submit evidence and policies to support their application based on five statements in the charter.
These are:
· Having clear policies: Discussing, monitoring and reviewing anti-bullying policies on a regular basis
· Take action: Support staff to identify and tackle bullying appropriately
· Tell: Ensure that pupils are aware that all bullying concerns will be dealt with sensitively and effectively
· Take action: Report back quickly to parents/carers regarding their concerns on bullying
· Understand: Seek to learn from anti-bullying good practise elsewhere and utilise the support of City of Wolverhampton Council when appropriate
Hosted by HeadStart Wolverhampton’s Ambassadors, the event was introduced by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Greg Brackenridge after a drumming performance by Honour Adagabasa, a pupil from Smestow School. In a speech to the audience, the Mayor reiterated the harm that bullying can cause to young people and commended the schools involved for taking measures to stop it. After entertainment from the city’s Revolution Dance Academy, the 2021 winners of the award were called to the stage to accept their award by Councillor Dr Mike Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.
The schools awarded charter status were: Christ Church CofE Infant School, Christchurch CofE Junior School, Edward the Elder Primary School, Elston Hall Primary School, Goldthorn Park Primary School, Grove Primary Academy, Moreton School, Smestow Academy, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery, St Andrews CofE Primary School, St Edmunds Catholic Academy, St Martin’s CE Primary School, St Michael’s CofE Aided Primary School, The Kings CE School, The Royal School and Wednesfield High Academy.
The ceremony also saw some recipients of the 2020 award, who couldn’t attend an event last year due to coronavirus restrictions, formally accept their award from Emma Bennett, the council’s Executive Director of Families. They included Dovecotes Primary School, Dunstall Hill Primary School, Graiseley Primary School, St Lukes Primary School, St Peters Collegiate School and The Way Youth Zone.
Once all of the awards were given out, the audience enjoyed a musical performance from visually impaired musician Neyo, a pupil at St Edmunds School. He performed Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody on drums, as well as singing Perfect by Ed Sheeran.
Councillor Dr Hardacre said: “It was fantastic to see so many schools attend this special ceremony and show their commitment to help end bullying.
“Sadly, bullying is still a prevalent issue for young people and it is crucial that we collectively take steps to help prevent it – and committing to the #YES Anti-Bullying Charter is a great way of doing this.” To find out more about the #YES Anti-Bullying Charter, visit: www.youthengagementstrategy.co.uk.