Beat the Bullying In Our Schools (03.06) In 2003 NLGBA commissioned an independent piece of research into the scope and extent of homophobic bullying in 3 Northampton Schools. The research revealed that bullying of this nature was a serious problem affecting both pupils and teachers alike. In response to these worrying results an action group was set up consisting of representatives from NLGBA, Northamptonshire Healthy Schools Programme, Anti Bullying Alliance, Northamptonshire County Council and Northampton Borough Council. A series of 4 information leaflets have been produced to pilot within selected secondary schools around the county. The separate leaflets are aimed at different target audiences as an information and advice resource for Parents and guardians, pupils, teachers and governors. Alongside this resource will be training for teachers and school staff with the aim being to establish an Anti-homophobic bullying champion. The champion will serve as a confidential contact point for pupils to access support and advice. This provides a much needed opportunity to further raise awareness of the seriousness and high level of homophobic bullying while providing pupils with support and guidance on dealing with homophobic bullying in any capacity. It is hoped that the pilot will prove to be very successful and be developed and implemented throughout the secondary schools in Northamptonshire, to stamp-out homophobic bullying. |