Moves to help pupils feel safe are welcomed
The future introduction of a new anti-bullying policy at Crieff High School has been welcomed by local politicians.
The measure is one of the key recommendations included in a recentlyreleased report following a review into the culture at the school sparked by allegations of discriminatory behaviour and assault being made in an open letter earlier this year.
Perthshire South and Kinross-shire SNP MSP Jim Fairlie said:“A very concerning picture of life at Crieff High School was painted [in the letter] and the experiences that were described deserve to be taken very seriously indeed.
“I note the finding that there is no prevailing culture of bullying or harassment at the school but that some pupils had experiences which were as described.
“I want to take some time to fully digest the contents of the review, but it is important to make absolutely clear that no-one should have to endure these kinds of behaviour at any time, let alone at school, and it is important that Perth and Kinross Council responds quickly and fully.
“The review team found evidence of positive relationships in the school, with the majority of pupils reporting a sense of belonging and feeling safe.
“I am sure that the management of the school will be working hard on finding ways of ensuring that all pupils feel safe and that a zero-tolerance approach to bullying or discrimination of any kind is firmly in place.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Liz Smith commented:“I would first of all thank the team from Perth and Kinross Council for carrying out this extensive review and for their engagement of an independent consultant and external member of the team to ensure that the process was as robust as possible.
“I welcome the findings of the report and the evidence it contains which indicates there is not a prevailing negative culture of discriminatory behaviours within the school.
“Having spoken to parents and staff myself that backs up the comments they have made to me and it is important that this is highlighted to allow the school community to move forward.
“The report highlights many positive comments about the senior leadership team in the school and that is also very welcome to read.”
Ms Smith went on to say: “The report also includes important messages for young people at Crieff High School around ensuring that any incidents of racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic language and behaviour are reported.
“Young people and their parents need to know that any incidents will be taken seriously by the school and young people are encouraged to report them.
“They also need the confidence that staff do take these seriously and will ensure they are listened to and action will be taken and I am confident the recommendations in the report, along with the efforts of all at Crieff High School, will ensure these are taken forward in a positive way.”
Ochil and South Perthshire SNP MP John Nicolson said:“I’m glad the review’s conclusion is that most pupils feel encouraged and supported by the culture at Crieff High School.
“However, for those who don’t, the new antibullying policy will be welcome as will enhanced involvement for parents.
“It’s clear that there is strong agreement across the school body about the need to tackle all forms of discrimination.
“No child should be made to feel vulnerable because of their race, sexual orientation or gender.”
Education officers are to return to the school in a year’s time to review any progress made.