King’s St Alban’s reaches out and stands up against bullying.

Starting the week with brightly coloured odd socks, pupils and staff united to raise awareness, understanding and tolerance towards everyone’s unique talents. Anti-Bullying Week is a national movement that stands up to bullying and reinforces the principle that school is a place for everyone to feel valued and safe.

On Tuesday, Mrs Beauchamp delivered a thought-provoking assembly about bullying and how to be an upstander, rather than a bystander. Who can our children #Reach Out to if they experience or witness bullying? The assembly started with the children laughing through the short Pixar film, For The Birds, a humorous animation with a serious message. Children identified that in the film the small birds laugh and mimic the larger bird whilst trying to exclude him. This hurtful behaviour ultimately results in the larger bird having the last laugh and demonstrates that what goes around, comes around. Will D in Year 6 explained that he thought this was a perfect example of Karma. The moral of the story was of course to treat those around you as you wish to be treated yourself.

Throughout the assembly, children shared some thoughtful examples of unkindness and what sort of issues can arise when there is an imbalance of power. Listening attentively and respectfully, children shared ways to combat the loneliness of bullying and how to stand up against Cyber Bullying.

This week’s Well-being Wednesday activity continued the theme of Reaching Out. Children took the opportunity to discuss in small groups the power of staying connected with those we trust and identified how to do so, and that we can all reach out for support. By drawing around their own hand, each child identified who they can reach out to as their very own Five Fingers of Support.

At King’s St Alban’s we stand up to bullying every week of the year. We are a small, friendly school where children play and learn in harmony. When problems arise with friendships, staff are on hand to help talk through and guide reactions as well as encouraging positive ways to communicate. Explaining and modelling alternative responses can lead to happier times for everyone.

We have worry boxes in every classroom and form teachers pride themselves on having time to listen to the children and be approachable role models. Karen and Sarah, our school matrons are always available to support the children.

Throughout the school, from nursery to Year 6, our whole community stands up against bullying and will always focus on kindness towards everyone. Friendships help children thrive!