South Wales West AM Suzy Davies has commended a pupil-led anti-bullying service run at a local school.
During a visit to Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, Mrs Davies met with anti-bullying student ambassadors to understand how they are working to boost attendance and tackle bulling at the school.
Suzy said: “It is impressive that the school has enough confidence in its pupils to allow them to drive this campaign forward and to take a leading role in tackling bullying.”
The Welsh Conservative Assembly Member added: “The school leadership needs to have the final say in such matters and it is clear that they do, but when young people take an active role in decisions about their school, the results are usually pretty effective. We hear enough negative stories about the effects of peer pressure: this is a positive one about peer encouragement”
Mrs Davies, who is member of the National Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee, went on to say: “Attendance is extremely important in helping any young person get the most from the education system. It’s recognised that bullying is a major factor in pupils not going to school.
“I am pleased to see a school in my region lead the way. Pontarddulais Comprehensive’s approach not only tackles bullying but is also working with their pastoral support to increase attendance across all year groups.
“This is clearly a win-win situation, as pupils are learning to engage and work with each other and are also increasing attendance and attainment. I hope schools throughout Wales will look to Pontarddulais as an example of good practice.”
