TWENTY schools at Warrington have been praised for their efforts to tackle bullying after taking part in an initiative called “Wise Up”.
The initiative is led by Warrington Speak Up, on behalf of the Warrington Hate Crime Partnership, supported by the borough council and Cheshire Police.
All the schools taking part demonstrated the importance of creating a safe environment where children can be free from bullying, especially those who may feel vulnerable or targeted because of a disability, or because they come from a minority ethnic background or because of their sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Examples of good practice included having school policies on tackling bullying and hate; school assemblies; anti-bullying weeks; buddy benches; celebrations of diversity and building an understanding of equality into the curriculum.
Cllr Jean Carter, the council’s lead member for children and young people’s services, said: “We know the significant and damaging impact hate crime and bullying can have on children, families and communities, so it is really heartening to see so many schools taking part in this initiative and I am so pleased to hear that there are policies in place to tackle hate crime and bullying in our schools.”
Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were presented to schools by the Mayor Cllr Geoff Settle at a ceremony held at the Gateway. Gold awards were presented to schools which demonstrated outstanding practice.
Further information can be found at www.warrington.gov.uk/hatecrime
Gold awards were presented to St Gregory’s Catholic High School, Chapelford Village Primary School, Newchurch Primary School, Bridgewater High School, Great Sankey High School and Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School.
Silver Awards were received by St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School, New Horizons School, Broomfields Junior School, Locking Stumps Primary School, St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School, St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School, Grappenhall Heys Primary School, Thelwall Junior School, Birchwood High School, Christ Church CE School.
Bronze Awards went to St Lewis Catholic Primary School, Ravenbank Primary School, Future Tech Studio School and Croft Primary School.
