Battleplan drawn up to help beat the Grammar bullies
Better teacher training and more support for pupils
Education bosses have vowed to improve teacher training and support for pupils in a bid to tackle the scourge of bullying at Paisley Grammar.
Renfrewshire Council yesterday said it is an “absolute priority” to ensure the wellbeing of pupils the school.
The promise follows a deluge of complaints from pupils, past and present, who revealed years of sickening abuse in the classroom and playground.
One former pupil told how she attempted to take her life three times because she couldn’t face going into the school.
Even yesterday, as education chiefs responded to calls for tougher action, three more past pupils contacted the Paisley Daily Express to recount their ordeals at the hand of bullies.
Director of Children’s Services, Peter Macleod, last night highlighted the measures put in place to address bullying at Paisley Grammar following head teacher Janice Levens’ appointment last year.
He said: “I fully understand the anguish felt by pupils and their families as a result of bullying and pupil wellbeing is an absolute priority.
“Bullying is never acceptable, but sadly it does happen.
“That is why we at Renfrewshire Council are determined to tackle it through a range of measures which includes training for staff, support for pupils affected by bullying and actions to prevent bullying behaviour from taking place.
“It is vital pupils feel suitably supported and confident that if an incident does occur, that it will be acted upon.”
He added: “Paisley Grammar has undergone a lot of change and through its new head teacher and management team has implemented a detailed range of anti-bullying actions which has put the school on the right track.
“The wellbeing of pupils at Paisley Grammar and at each and every one of our schools is of the utmost importance to us.
“We will continue to provide the right support and training to ensure teachers are equipped to tackle inappropriate behaviours, support pupils affected and ensure we use the feedback from our parents and pupils to inform our ongoing approach.
“Tackling bullying is a long term approach that can only be tackled with the support of everyone in the school and families and friends beyond the school gates.
“By working together we will be able to support our young people so they can achieve their full potential.”
Education chiefs insist that Paisley Grammar staff have worked closely with Scotland’s anti-bullying service respectme to ensure its policies are effective, with staff completing detailed training.
Pupils have been given advice on how to understand and deal with bullying through Personal and Social Education (PSE) classes while anti-bullying messages are delivered through school assemblies.
Lorraine Glass, of respectme, said: “We have worked closely with Renfrewshire Council over the years to support them in the development of strong policies and practice for addressing bullying behaviours and we know they take this issue very seriously and have an extensive and proactive approach in place.
“Teachers across Renfrewshire have participated in a number of our anti-bullying training seminars and have shared this knowledge with their peers.”