Rydal Penrhos’ Anti-Bullying Ambassadors recently participated in an online interview with anti-bullying charity The Diana Award, who have heaped high-praise on the school’s approach to the issue.
Rydal Penrhos is a school that values the safety and wellbeing of its pupils above all else. From the moment a child joins our school, they are immersed in a nurturing and inclusive environment where every effort is made to ensure that they feel secure and supported. This is reflected in Rydal Penrhos’ zero-tolerance approach to bullying, which sends a clear message to pupils that their wellbeing and behaviour are priorities that will not be ignored.
To further support this commitment, Rydal Penrhos is a member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to tackling bullying in schools and other settings. Through this membership, the school has access to the latest research, best practices, and resources in the field of anti-bullying, which enables us to continually refine our approach and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges.
One of Rydal Penrhos’ most important initiatives to combat bullying and promote inclusion has been its implementation of its Prep Anti-Bullying Ambassador program. This scheme empowers pupils to take an active role in creating a more harmonious and welcoming environment for their peers. Volunteers undergo rigorous training to become equipped with the necessary skills to address bullying and other forms of exclusion.
The ambassadors work closely with Year 5 teacher Mrs Chamberlain, who is the member of staff responsible for the pupil voice team related to anti-bullying and wellbeing. It is noteworthy that Mrs Chamberlain is one of several members of staff at Rydal Penrhos who are trained Mental Health First Aiders, ready to provide a first point of contact and assistance to pupils who may be experiencing difficulties.
The exemplary work of Rydal Penrhos in the field of anti-bullying has caught the attention of The Diana Award, a prestigious charity founded in the memory of the late Princess of Wales, dedicated to combating bullying and fostering positive change. The school has been identified as a case study in anti-bullying excellence by the charity, which is a testament to our commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our children and young people.
Last week, members of the Anti-Bullying Ambassador team including Alexandra, Harrison H, Isaac, Buddy and Lissy were invited to participate in an online interview with Adam Raine and Jamilah Simpson, who work at The Diana Award. Despite taking part in the interview on short notice, our crack anti-bullying team represented themselves and the school admirably.
During the interview, one pupil said that they felt the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors were making a difference because, unlike other schools in the news struggling with school refusers, pupils at Rydal Penrhos were happy to attend each day. Another pupil noted that there were certain instances where pupils were more comfortable expressing their concerns to peers, rather than parents or teachers; as such, the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors were offering them an avenue to voice their fears that would otherwise not exist. These heartening accounts are a testament to the successful of the scheme, which will continue to play an important pastoral role moving forward.
Rydal Penrhos extends its sincere gratitude to The Diana Award, and in particular Adam Raine and Jamilah Simpson for taking the time to interview our pupils. We would also like to express our thanks to our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, who have shown real maturity and determination in their commitment to Rydal Penrhos’ mission of securing the happiness and flourishing of all its pupils. Well done team!
