§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she is taking to tackle bullying in schools; and if she will make a statement. [16873]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 22 November 2001]: From September 1999 head teachers of maintained schools have been placed under a duty to draw up measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils, including racist or homophobic bullying. Bullying is a serious problem for those who experience it and schools should take all complaints seriously.
Last December we launched a new anti-bullying strategy, including a new pack for schools entitled "Bullying: don't suffer in silence" with an accompanying video aimed at pupils. Schools can order one free copy of the pack from DfES publications. There is also a new anti-bullying website at www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying. The Department is also co-funding the Parentline Plus free helpline for parents whose children are being bullied and we have produced a public information film to raise awareness of bullying. In addition Baroness Ashton has recently provided a short foreword to "Safe for All: a best practice guide to prevent homophobic bullying in secondary schools" published by Stonewall.
We have made it clear that heads can permanently exclude pupils responsible for persistent or violent bullying. However, the key message of our strategy is that victims should be able to report bullying to someone they trust and not suffer in silence.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to review the implementation of anti-bullying policies. [16977]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisAnti-bullying policies became compulsory in schools in September 1999. Each school's policy should be reviewed by the head teacher on a regular basis in consultation with the rest of the school community. Whenever my officials investigate alleged bullying with a school they verify that the school has an anti-bullying policy and that this has been followed closely in the case in question.
The Framework for Inspection for the Office for Standards in Education requires inspectors to obtain the views of pupils, parents and teachers on the incidence of bullying in a school and the school's response. This 603W includes assessment of the anti-bullying policy. We meet Ofsted regularly and discipline issues are part of our continuing discussions with them.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Government policy is on bullying in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [16978]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisAll maintained schools in England, including primary and secondary schools, are required by law to have an anti-bullying policy. Schools should treat bullying seriously and take steps to combat it promptly and firmly whenever and wherever it occurs.
In December 2000 we launched a new anti-bullying strategy, which includes a new pack for schools entitled `Bullying: don't suffer in silence' with an accompanying video aimed at pupils. The pack describes strategies for use in primary and secondary schools and it can be ordered from DIES Publications on 0845 602 2260. The cost is £15 although schools can order one free copy each. We have encouraged as many schools as possible to order the pack; so far about 5.000 have done so. We also have a new anti-bullying website at: www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying. The key message of our strategy is that pupils should report bullying to someone they trust and not suffer in silence.