Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Mrs J Bainbridge Headteacher St Boniface RC Primary School Yew Street Salford Lancashire M7 2HL

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bullying practice in schools

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and pupils, during my visit on 29 September 2011 as part of our survey of schools’ work to create a positive school culture and prevent and tackle bullying.

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bullying practice in schools

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

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bullying practice in schools

This letter briefly summarises our discussion at the end of the visit.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 The school has clear policies for behaviour, discipline and anti-bullying which set out the school’s values and outline how pupils should behave towards each other. Roles of staff, governors, parents and carers are included so that all connected with the school are aware of their responsibilities in dealing with unacceptable behaviour and bullying and creating a positive school atmosphere.  You have a very clear vision for the future of the school which is based on the key values of respect, fairness and mutual trust.  The school sets out succinctly the actions the school will take if bullying occurs. This system has been enhanced by the ideas that you have introduced, and staff and pupils comment that the standard of behaviour has improved since these ideas have been implemented.  You have led staff in discussions devoted to aspects of behaviour and raised the profile of dealing with unacceptable behaviour. As a result, staff

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

demonstrate a reasonable understanding of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour. They share a collective understanding of what action to take to tackle bullying and ensure that pupils feel safe and content.  The planned curriculum effectively provides opportunities for pupils’ social and moral development. Topics covered in the religious education scheme are cross-referenced to the other subjects of English and science. Staff respond to behaviour issues which may arise through circle time and drama, to enable pupils to explore any worries within a safe and supportive atmosphere.  Curriculum plans include a designated time for the delivery of personal, social and health education (PSHE) aspects which has, in the past, included the social and emotional aspects for learning (SEAL) scheme. However, the school is at the point of reviewing the delivery of these aspects of its work. The planned curriculum is enhanced through visits and

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

discrete sessions delivered by the community police, such as, topics include web-safety, anti-social behaviour and cyber-bullying.  Several pupils commented that behaviour has improved since you have joined the school. Most are clear about how they should treat other pupils and their teachers which centres on respect. During the visit, pupils played happily at lunchtime. The large outdoor space enables pupils to use equipment safely and have ample space to run around. The different playgrounds for Key Stage 1 pupils, Year 3 and 4 pupils, and Years 5 and 6 pupils are very beneficial.  Most pupils feel safe in school and have faith in the staff to help them if they are worried or upset. They are fairly confident that ‘something would be done’ to make them feel better and to sort out their problems. Most have empathy with other pupils and understand how they should help those in trouble.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

 providing bespoke training for all staff to update their knowledge and understanding of all aspects of behaviour and bullying, including the types and use of discriminatory language  reviewing and updating school policies to reflect the changes that have been made in practice since your arrival; and including in these the views of parents, carers and pupils, leading to a consistent approach to dealing with unacceptable behaviour  reviewing the school’s curriculum for PSHE to ensure progression and equality of access and to ensure that any repetition is avoided  monitoring and evaluating the delivery and effectiveness of the PSHE and citizenship curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs of all groups of pupils.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

I hope that this visit has been useful in the further development of this aspect of the school’s work. As explained previously, a copy of this letter will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection. A copy of this letter is also being sent to your local authority.

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