Northampton primary school wins gold standard award for new ‘child-led’ anti-bullying measures

A Northampton primary school has been awarded a gold-standard award for ‘child-led’ anti-bullying measures it has put in place in the last year.

Little Houghton Primary School has been named as an ‘All Together Gold’ school after prioritising anti-bullying for a number of months.

The school has taken a ‘child-led’ approach to anti-bullying and has implemented a school policy about bullying that is child-friendly.

As well as the policy, the school has also implemented playground ambassadors who can keep an eye on other children and report anything that might be concerning.

A child-friendly form, kept in boxes in the classrooms, has also been created in case children do not want to report an incident to a member of staff directly.

Headteacher, Carolyn Fairbrother, said: “This all started way back in February last year when we held a parent workshop with other schools to kick off our work on anti-bullying.

“It has been a high priority area for us ever since, but obviously lockdown hit and children weren’t always here.

“When we did have all the children back in, we took part in anti-bullying week and the All Together programme in November.

“It helped us to see new strategies and make changes that will help to improve the children’s wellbeing.

“We hope the policy will give children and parents a better understanding of the difference between bullying and relationship conflict like you would see between brothers and sisters.”

As part of the anti-bullying measures, staff have all also been trained to help them deal with any issues.

Ms Fairbrother added: “We’re really chuffed with the gold award, especially as it ties in with our church values of kindness and generosity.

“The children have been hugely involved in all the work we have done, it is all child friendly and it has been led by what the children have told us.

“They have been enthusiastic about it all and I think they now feel more secure and happier knowing where they can report any problems.

“I think it has helped with confidence and improved wellbeing.”

Following on from the school being named gold standard for anti-bullying, a Year 4 pupil wrote a paragraph for the school newsletter about the measures.

Part of the piece said: “All of these things have helped to make Little Houghton a happier, joyful school.

“We are very proud to be awarded a certificate as an All Together Gold school, for demonstrating our commitment to stopping bullying and improving the wellbeing of our pupils.”

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