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 by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, at the City Suite at the Civic Centre.
The schools awarded charter status were St Theresa's Catholic Primary Academy, St Matthias School, Nishkam Primary School, Oak Meadow Primary School, Stowlawn Primary School, Holy Rosary Primary School, Thomas Telford UTC, Loxdale Primary School, Elston Hall Primary School, Edward the Elder, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery, Bushbury Hill Primary School, Goldthorn Park Primary School, Bantock Primary School, Ormiston SWB Academy, Long Knowle Primary School, Green Park School, Aldersley High School and Perry Hall Primary School.
To achieve charter status, schools and youth organisations must submit evidence and policies to support their application based on 5 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 the Wolverhampton’s Co-production and Youth Engagement Team, the event was also attended by Councillor Christopher Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
In a speech to the audience, Mayor Councillor Dr Hardacre reiterated the harm that bullying can cause to young people and commended the schools involved for taking measures to stop it.
He added: “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 amongst young people and it is crucial that we collectively take steps to help prevent it – and committing to the Anti Bullying Charter is a great way of doing this.”
Councillor Burden added: “Children’s and young people’s emotional wellbeing, physical and mental health are vitally important and helping to tackle bullying improves this for them and allows them to become more confident, happy and improves their self worth. That’s why this charter is so important.”
To find out more about the Yo! Wolves Anti Bullying Charter, please visit Youth Engagement Strategy
