Halesowen school receives national award for its stance against bullying

Leasowes High School in Halesowen is the first in the Dudley borough and surrounding area to receive the national awards from the Bullying Intervention Group, known as BIG.

The first award is the 'Dudley School's Anti-Bullying Pledge', which requires schools to meet specific criteria in their anti-bullying work.

The second award is the recognition for Leasowes 'Excellence in Challenging Bullying' .

Rupert Hannibal, is responsible for the pastoral care of the schools year seven students, leading on the anti-bullying strategies in the school.

He said: "I am very proud of the schools effective stance against bullying.

"Leasowes is a school that does not ignore the fact that bullying can be a concern for students and their parents, especially when it comes to choosing a secondary school.

"Our students and their parents give us great feedback on how the pupils feel safe in school and how staff are quick deal with bullying concerns.

"We thought it was about time that we go recognition for the work that we do and most importantly the work pupils do themselves.

Leasowes hasworked hard to promote a safe environment, making them feel safe to tell staff of any issues or concerns surrounding bullying they may have.

The school have a strong pastoral team working alongside peer mentors and school prefects.

The whole school community also signs up to the Anti-Bullying pledge and there is also a lunch-break club called 'The Hub' where students can meet and talk with peer mentors in a peaceful and calm environment.

Since applying for the awards 12 months ago, the school expanded their approach to bullying even further by updating their anti-bullying policy.

Students have been recruited as anti-bullying ambassadors and have created an anti-bullying task group, which includes staff, governors and parents to monitor bullying concerns.

Headteacher, Mr Shaw, said: "Leasowes does not tolerate bullying of any sort.

"If any student is found to be involved in bullying behaviour, as well as the usual disciplinary procedures, we have a range of ways dealing with them.

"Students found to be involved in bullying behaviour will take part in restorative justice where they will be expected to help other students.

"It might be the anti-bullying ambassadors who decide on the consequences, but with the emphasis on reducing the risk of reducing bullying."

He added: "We want the parents and the carers of our students to feel that their children are as safe as possible when at school.

"The two awards will go a long way in assuring them that everyone at Leasowes High School is doing their very best to make the school a happy and secure learning community."