Pupils at a Fife high school can now report bullying online as part of a raft of measures aimed at tackling the issue.
An inspection report published in January last year highlighted concerns about bullying at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy.
The Education Scotland report said: “Young people feel bullying incidents are frequent and not dealt with timeously or effectively.”
Following a further inspection, a report published last month said Balwearie had “made progress” and “has the capacity to continue to improve” without further visits.
Balwearie rector Neil McNeil said staff had put in a lot of work to increase pupils’ safety and wellbeing.
This has included providing staff with additional training and an online form called Say It Out Loud.
“We’ve been increasing staff presence in the school, during lunch and as much as we can during the school day,” said Mr McNeil.
“Young people at any time, at home and using a tablet or phone, can go into Say It Out Loud and request some assistance from the school. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bullying issue, it can be requesting help for any reason.”
Mr McNeil has also been talking to groups of pupils in what he calls “daily dozen” meetings where they can air their views.
He said 3% of pupils had reported problems with bullying to him, adding “that’s 3% too many for me”.
He added: “Young people know there are mechanisms to report things and that we will follow it up and get back to them, and make sure we close the circle. It gives them a better sense of safety and wellbeing.
“After just one year we have made significant changes to what we are doing in the school, which are sufficient to give HMI full confidence in the school moving forward.
“I’m absolutely delighted by that because it tells you an awful lot about the work put in by staff, students, parents and the wider community.”
In the latest inspection report, Education Scotland said staff had a “better understanding of the needs of young people” and steps had been taken to support raising attainment.
HM Inspector David Drysdale said: “We are confident that the school, with support from the local authority, has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.”
With cuts to Fife Council’s budget posing serious challenges for schools across the region, Balwearie is faced with making savings of £347,000 over two years.
The school is proposing shortening the school week by making Friday a half day to save money while protecting the range of subjects on the curriculum.
