Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Children and Young People providing an overview of work to develop a local authority anti-bullying policy and guidance.

It was noted that bullying was the principal issue about which children and young people contacted the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and Child Line, and it was known locally that young people saw it as one of their major issues. The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) had been in the process of issuing new guidance on anti-bullying for a considerable time, which had now been published. The local policy had been produced in accordance with this “Safe to Learn” guidance.

The national and local drivers for making dealing with bullying a priority were outlined for the Board’s consideration, along with progress to date. It was advised that the guidance aimed to:

• support school governors, staff and volunteers in all children’s settings, children and young people, parents and carers in the development of their own anti-bullying policies;
• advise on the monitoring and review of anti-bullying policy and practice;
• build on the good practice which was already present in Halton; and
• promote national and local priorities.

Reason for Decision

It was necessary for the Local Authority to provide a clear anti-bullying framework.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None considered.

Implementation Date

As soon as approved.

RESOLVED: That the policy be approved for adoption by Halton Schools and as the basis for the development of a broader Halton Anti-Bullying Strategy.