National Conference Helps Schools and Local Authorities to Tackle Bullying

Kirklees Local Authority launch anti-bullying initiative to eliminate bullying and protect its 63,500 pupils

[ClickPress, Mon Nov 20 2006] Schools and Local Authorities from across the UK are teaming up to tackle the issues of bullying and harassment at the National Anti-Bullying Conference in Huddersfield on 20th – 23rd November.

Held during national anti-bullying week, the conference will include a number of expert speakers from the NSPCC and the University of London, as well as anti-bullying organisations and charities, who will provide valuable advice and support to schools on tackling all forms of bullying, in particular the rise in new forms of bullying such as text or cyber bullying.

John Stead, NSPCC Education Advisor and the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s Regional Coordinator commented; “The National Anti-Bullying Conference is vital in bringing together best-practice and sharing expertise to help eradicate the problem of bullying and harassment in schools. It is a great opportunity for Local Authorities to work together and it is crucial that we tackle the issue head on.

“The theme of Anti-Bullying Week is “See It! Get Help! Stop It!” and we want children and young people to think about how they can safely act to protect the victim. By empowering children and young people to speak out we can create a culture in schools and elsewhere that recognizes bullying is unacceptable.”

As well as a drop-in day for parents and carers, a schools day, and a series of theatre workshops, the conference will also be used by Kirklees Local Authority to launch its pioneering anti-bullying initiative. The pilot will be trialed across 20 local schools, benefiting some 63,500 pupils.

Jim Dodds, Councillor for Kirklees Children & Young People Service, explained “Kirklees has made a commitment to tackle the issues of bullying and harassment after they were highlighted as a priority in the Kirklees Children and Young People Plan. Our aim is to identify any particular problem areas or trends, then work together with children and organisations to find solutions, ensuring both the victims, and the perpetrators of bullying receive the help and support they need.”

In a scheme which will run through until the end of the academic year, Kirklees will be implementing Vantage Technologies Sentinel Anti-Bullying software to monitor incidents in real-time and provide effective, timely support to their students.

Sentinel is an internet-based solution which provides secure access to a confidential, computer database where students and authorised members of staff can report any instances of bullying. The data gathered will enable Kirklees to adopt a Borough-wide approach to monitoring and eliminating incidents of bullying, sharing expertise and networking with other Local Authorities to approach problem together.

School children will also speak at the event and will distribute two new DVDs which they have been involved in producing. The rest of the week will include a day for parents, carers and school governors, a day for children and a day focusing on practical ideas for schools.

The National Anti-Bullying Conference will take place from 20th – 23rd November at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield. For further information please visit www.kirklees-ednet.org.uk.

Vantage Technologies Limited
Vantage Technologies Limited is an IT services and solutions company, founded in 1988, specialising in the delivery of innovative software solutions for the improvement of working practice. Vantage is active in a variety of market sectors including local authorities, healthcare, police and professional institutions. Its product portfolio of web-based solutions includes risk management, professional development and e-learning. For further information visit: www.vantage-technologies.co.uk

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