§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Department is taking to reduce incidences of bullying in Staffordshire schools. [185830]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe attach a high priority to helping schools prevent and combat bullying: it is a serious problem which puts the emotional well-being and
768W
LA Name Ofsted March 2003 Data Ofsted March 2004 Data Net Growth 2003–04 Percentage Increase South Tyneside 1,934 3,746 1,811 94 Halton 1,960 3,164 1,204 61 North Tyneside 2,776 4,067 1,291 46 Torbay 1,691 2,385 695 41 City of London 308 430 122 40 NE Lincolnshire 1,578 2,199 621 39 educational achievement of pupils at risk. Our guidance pack "Bullying: Don't Suffer in Silence", the anti-bullying Charter for Action and the anti-bullying website www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying offer detailed advice on preventing and addressing bullying.
In November 2003 I launched our anti-bullying Charter for schools, which schools are now signing. It is accompanied by a summary of effective practice to help schools review and enhance their anti-bullying policies. The Charter was launched at the first of the Make The Difference series of regional conferences. The programme of conferences began in November 2003 and culminated with a final event on 14 June. These conferences, the West Midlands one of which was well attended by Staffordshire head teachers, offered an opportunity for schools and other partners to share good practice on this issue and to learn at first hand about what has worked elsewhere. Details of the conferences can be accessed online at www.teachernet.gov.uk/antibullying. Our new public information film, 'Tell Someone', also encourages children and young people to tell someone if they are being bullied.
Last week, we announced funding of £570,000 for the Anti Bullying Alliance; an umbrella group of over 50 voluntary sector organisations, professional associations and leading local authorities. The Alliance will work to support schools in addressing bullying behaviour and lead on preparations for the first national anti-bullying week in November. Schools in Staffordshire will have access to an anti-bullying coordinator based in the West Midlands region, and working with the National Strategies, who can provide practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools.