An opportunity to find out how to tackle bullying. The Practice Exchange promoted Anti Bullying week in advance, preparing delegates with some top tips that may help introduce and sustain a bully free setting.

1. Presentations: A number of anti bullying best practice examples were introduced to the network.

• Anti Bullying Policy & Best Practice – Rachel Beddoe, Cardiff Against Bullying.
• Glan Afan Comprehensive School – Five young people from the school presented their peer listening scheme, which is supported by the Bullies Out programme.
• Bee frienders – 12 week friendship programme. Delivered by Caroline Warren and Sarah Hooke of Barnardo’s Swansea Children Matter Team.
• Community Focused Schools – Samantha Chamberlain of Gartholwg CFS Cluster, shared her work on the Welsh Language Anti Bullying Project.
• Challenging Bullying – Gill Grandon Head Teacher at Markham Primary School distributed a very useful package of anti-bullying materials.  Markham Primary school in Caerphilly have developed a resource that originated from targets within Healthy Schools Initiative and progressed into a file of useful tools and practices that are transferable to schools across the board. 
• Dr. Emily Lovegrove, specialist in anti bullying techniques, delivered a thought provoking session followed by small group discussion on perceptions on what is bullying and gaps or issues that need to be identified.

The discussion raised a number of points.  This is what you had to say:

• Members identified issues around bullying that originates in the community but still affects the child in school – there should be a community approach involving community police.
• There is often conflicting advice or possibly too much advice!
• Bullying often affects attendance at school and there are social/emotional implications – teachers should receive social/emotional training.
• There needs to be a child centred approach.  Often children and young people involved with Social Services who experience bullying will have further issues that need addressing.
• Even when there are programmes/support mechanisms in place referrals are not made.
• There is insufficient emphasis put on monitoring of incidents.

Members identified some resources that may be helpful:

• Help! I’m being bullied – 10 practical strategies to stop bullying for kids and adults (ISBN 1905170343) by Dr Emily Lovegrove
• Unicef Rights Respecting Schools Award - This new nationwide award scheme promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as the basis for enhancing teaching, learning, ethos, attitudes and behaviour.
• R time - a structured programme for schools that develops positive relationships between children. It does this by creating an environment that supports and enhances good manners, attainment, and citizenship. 
• Clybiau Plant Cymru Kid’s Clubs Wales offer training called Hop, Skip and Jump.  Hop, Skip and Jump focuses on supervising and supporting children and young people during lunchtime, breaks and playground activity. 
• Respecting Others: Anti Bullying Guidance
• Anti Bullying self assessment toolkit 

2. Evaluation: The practice exchange was well received with positive feedback from all 45 participants; a synopsis of the evaluation can be viewed here.

3. Networking: Attendees completed an Information Exchange Sheet that asked them to share ‘What they were upto at the moment?’ and ‘What do you need?’ with contact details.  These were available for sharing on the day and have since been written up and can be viewed here. This will help members to continue to network and support each other after the meeting.