Beating the bullies (From Swindon Advertiser)

Beating the bullies

12:20pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

CHILDREN at Holy Rood Catholic Junior School learned how to beat the bullies when special guests came into school.

All 272 children at the school in Upham Road enjoyed a presentation from Fire-horse Productions yesterday, which taught the children about the effects of cyber, physical and verbal bullying.

Headteacher Tony McAteer said the visit was part of the school’s work to gain an Anti-Bullying Quality Mark.

He said: “We are focussing on bullying, not because it it is a real issue in the school, but it is something that needs to be addressed by schools so children are equipped to deal with any bullying situation that should arise in their lives.”

The Anti-Bullying Quality Mark is a national award that enables schools to demonstrate to parents, Ofsted and others that the safety of children is taken seriously and bullying is not tolerated.

The production yesterday told the story of a boy who was picked on by children at his new school.

“He experienced cyber bullying, name calling and the bullies were being physical with him too,” said Mr McAteer.

“It told the children two messages. One that bullying is not acceptable, and secondly if they find themselves in a situation where they are being bullied they should not just hope it will go away. They need to approach an adult.”

Firehorse Productions specialises in issue-based educational drama for children.

“The children were riveted throughout,” said Mr McAteer.

The school has an anti-bullying steering committee made up of teaching staff, support staff, governors, parents and children.

They meet three times a year to set objectives they want to achieve.