Warrington schoolchildren recognised for tackling bullying and hate crime

The awards, led by the Warrington Hate Crime Action Alliance, took place on 5 February at The Gateway.

The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Wendy Johnson and Chief Inspector Simon Meegan, Warrington Local Policing Unit, made presentations to the pupils to highlight the work they and their schools had done to tackle bullying and hate crime.

Deputy leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell, Cabinet member for leisure and community Cllr Tony Higgins also attended the event in support of the positive work being done by schools across the borough.

The event was a celebration of how the schools had created welcoming, safe environments where children can be free of bullying, regardless of disability, sexual orientation, race, gender expression or religion.

Some highlights included:

• Grappenhall St Wilfred’s school, who were first time entrants and received a Platinum award.  The panel were particularly impressed by their sensitive work across all protected characteristics and the very dynamic anti-bullying charter.
• Beamont Collegiate Academy, who have been doing great work on gender equality, delivering LGBT training to other schools and are leading by example.

Seven platinum, 14 gold, 13 silver and one bronze award were presented to the schools, based on the strength of answers and supporting statements made in their nominations.

Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We’re proud to commend and celebrate the achievements of Warrington schools and pupils in their efforts against bullying and hate crime.

“Our young people are certainly setting the example of how to create an inclusive community that celebrates diversity.

“We hope that our communities continue to benefit from their thoughtful and important work.”

The Wise Up! initiative is led by Warrington Speak Up for the Warrington Hate Crime Action Alliance, supported by Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police. The scheme was launched in 2014 to promote awareness of hate crime in schools and to reward actions to combat bullying and hate crime

Notes to Editors:

Warrington Hate Crime Action Alliance brings together Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire Police as well as health services, schools, colleges and the voluntary sector.  It aims to tackle hate crime by raising awareness of the issue, encouraging reporting of incidents, and supporting victims.

Find out more about the Wise Up! School Awards at warrington.gov.uk/wise-awards

List of schools nominated for awards: