Launch of Schools anti-social behaviour protocol
Bridgend schools and colleges will now have an additional tool for tackling anti-social behaviour. Assembly Minister Janice Gregory launched the School Acceptable Behaviour Protocol, at the Bridgend Civic Chamber, on Friday 13th October. Also present at the launch were representatives from the schools who have signed the protocol, including teachers and governors.
The protocol is aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour at its earliest stages, and gives guidance for sharing relevant information between schools, the Safer Bridgend Community Safety Partnership and other key partners.
Previously there was no route for schools to refer incidents of anti-social behaviour to the Safer Bridgend Partnership, unless they were reported to the Police. Some more serious incidents were also difficult to deal with under internal school procedures, particularly if they occurred outside school. The new project will help to address these issues and will provide schools with an effective way of dealing with parents and other adults who are disruptive when visiting schools.
Safer Bridgend Community Safety Partnership Coordinator, John Davies stated "The Community Safety Partnership Office has all the key multi agency partners working collectively to coordinate the School Acceptable Behaviour Protocol, which importantly will give schools an additional tool to use in tackling unacceptable behaviour by young people and adults."
South Wales Police Bridgend Divisional Commander, Superintendent Tim Jones, stated "This will make a significant impact in reducing a wide range of anti social behaviour. The results from the pilot project showed that the Protocol will further enhance links between schools and communities."
A three-month pilot project found that schools were enthusiastic about the scheme and the benefits it brought to the school and the wider community. The project is aimed at secondary schools and colleges at present, but will eventually include primary schools, and school transport.