July 17th 2024 marked a significant moment with the first King’s Speech of the new Labour government. At first glance, it might seem that the speech did not directly address anti-bullying measures. However, a closer look reveals several key opportunities to advocate for and implement strategies to address bullying. Here's an analysis of the speech and how each policy area could contribute to our mission to prevent childhood bullying
Children’s Wellbeing Bill
The government said “The Children’s Wellbeing Bill will put children and their wellbeing at the centre of the education and children’s social care systems, and make changes to ensure children are safe, healthy, happy and treated fairly.” More about what we know will be included in that Bill below but could this be an opportunity table amendments to include our policy recommendations within this Bill?
National curriculum for all schools
Labour’s commitment to making all schools, including academies and free schools, adhere to the national curriculum has been a long-standing policy. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the need to “smooth the differences” between academies and maintained schools. The new education bill will enforce this requirement and include a broader curriculum and assessment review.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
A standardised national curriculum provides a prime opportunity to ensure high-quality anti-bullying education, online safety, and relationships education across all schools. With consistent and comprehensive curriculum requirements, we can better address bullying prevention and equip students with the tools they need to foster safe and inclusive environments.
Qualified teacher status (QTS) for all schools
The bill also mandates that all new teachers entering the profession must have or be working towards qualified teacher status (QTS) whether in academies or maintained schools. Currently, academies can employ unqualified teachers, but this bill seeks to align the standards across all schools.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
Requiring QTS for all teachers ensures a uniform standard of education and training. We see this as an opportunity to integrate anti-bullying training into QTS requirements, ensuring that every new teacher is equipped with the knowledge and skills to address and prevent bullying effectively. Given that one in five children experiences bullying annually, this measure could significantly impact their school experience.
Register of children not in school
Plans for a register of children not in school were previously proposed but not implemented. The new Labour government plans to revisit this initiative, aiming to include children who are home-educated or missing from education entirely.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
Bullying is a significant cause of absenteeism and children being removed from school roll. By maintaining a register of children not in school with bullying captured where it is a cause, we can identify those affected by bullying and ensure they receive the support they need. This measure can create accountability and highlight the extent to which bullying contributes to educational disengagement.
Legal requirement for breakfast clubs
Labour's manifesto includes a pledge to provide free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England. This will become a legal requirement, ensuring that all primary school children have access to nutritious meals to start their day.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
Breakfast clubs can play a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive school environment. Ensuring all children have access to breakfast can reduce stigma and improve social cohesion, potentially reducing bullying based on socioeconomic disparities which we know is a significant problem.
Branded uniform cap
Labour plans to cap the number of branded items schools can require for uniforms. This measure aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and address inequalities in school uniform policies.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
Children in poverty are at a higher risk of bullying. By capping branded uniform items, we can alleviate financial pressures on families and reduce appearance-targeted bullying. This policy can help create a more inclusive and equitable school environment.
AI to boost data analysis
Labour has pledged to use artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor trends in pupil attendance and integrate this data into annual safeguarding reviews by Ofsted.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
If we are able to use AI to capture data on school absences and capture absence due to bullying, we can help identify and address this issue more effectively. This technology can provide insights into bullying trends, helping schools and policymakers develop targeted interventions and hold institutions accountable for creating safe learning environments.
‘Enhanced’ powers for Ofsted
The King’s Speech also hinted at enhancing Ofsted's powers, particularly in inspecting social care providers and ensuring rigorous standards in residential special schools.
Is this an anti-bullying opportunity?
Enhanced powers for Ofsted could lead to more thorough inspections and accountability measures in schools with patterns of bullying behavior. By identifying and addressing these patterns, we can work towards creating safer and more supportive school environments for all children.
Can we work together to grasp this opportunity?
In conclusion, while the King’s Speech might not have explicitly mentioned anti-bullying measures, there are several promising opportunities within these policy areas. By leveraging these changes, we can continue our work to prevent childhood bullying and ensure that every child has a safe and supportive school experience. Join us in our mission to unite against bullying—become a member today and help us create a positive change.
What are your thoughts on these opportunities? Let’s work together to make a difference.