There is a DCFS Consultation on placing a new statutory duty on schools (on the governing body) for Recording and Reporting Incidents of Bullying between Pupils. Incidents are to be categorised by type specific to:
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prejudice related to race, religion or culture, disability or special educational needs, sexuality, gender or gender identity and,
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incidents of physical or verbal abuse against School Staff in all maintained schools in England.
The consultation is to gather views of stakeholders on the scope of the new duties and how best to support schools in implementing the new duty.
Issues for Consideration (the impact on your school) with regard to:
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how you determine the types of bullying (possible overlap)
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the resources to implement the recording of incidents
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the additional workload
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the provision of appropriate software
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the costs involved
Versus the benefits:
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monitoring the effectiveness of schools’ anti-bullying policies,
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evidence for Ofsted on the schools’ duties for safeguarding, meeting equality requirements and being proactive in developing community cohesion
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addressing staff grievance issues.
DCSF assurances - anonymity and no national comparators, that statistics could be used to identify regional trends and affect national policy. The Information gathered is to be provided to local authorities who will provide information to central government.
The consultation closing date is 4 March 2010. Your contributions will inform the final NAHT Response. Please email Jan Myles janm@naht.org.uk
Attached is the Bullying final consultation document
