§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proposals she plans to introduce to combat bullying in post-16 education. [17443]
§ Mr. TimmsSchools are required by law to have anti-bullying policies covering all their pupils, and in December 2000 we launched a new anti-bullying pack for schools entitled "Bullying: don't suffer in silence" with an accompanying video aimed at pupils.
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§ Mr. TimmsThe Department's Circular 6/99 "Schools Causing Concern", which advises local education authorities on dealing with schools in special measures, does not specifically cover staff retention. However, the circular does make clear that, where an LEA withdraws a school's delegated budget because it is subject to special measures, it automatically takes over responsibility for most personnel issues, including the appointment and dismissal of staff.