They have been working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance – made of partner organisations and funded by the Department of Education – to improve pupil wellbeing and create safer environments where bullying and bad behaviour are not tolerated.

The Anti Bullying Alliance initially began working with local schools following a successful bid by Bournemouth and Poole in 2017. This resulted in 22 local schools achieving awards on completion of the programme for their successful work in combating bullying. The programme will award schools a Bronze, Silver or Gold award in recognition of the measures taken by the schools to allow the children to thrive, feel secure and listened to. In April a further 18 schools received awards, of which eight were Gold.

Councillor Sandra Moore, Portfolio holder for Children and Families said, “We are very proud of the exceptional work our local schools have taken in their approaches to reduce bullying. These approaches, which were before Covid-19, have demonstrated their achievements in reducing bullying and raising self-esteem.”

The national All Together project has been awarded further funding for next year, and BCP schools which have not taken the opportunity before are being encouraged to join the project as well as existing schools who wish to move towards the prestigious Gold award.