EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe recently visited Hassenbrook Academy in Stanford-le-Hope to learn about progress made to tackle bullying with the Diana Award's Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme that works to change attitudes around bullying with a strong peer-to-peer focus.

Mr Metcalfe met with pupils and teachers to discuss the work that they have recently been doing to tackle bullying in school and online.

He learned how Hassenbrook pupils had taken part in a one-day anti-bullying training session, run by the Diana Award in September. The programme aims to give young people the skills and confidence to become anti-bullying ambassadors.

Mr Metcalfe, MP for East Thurrock and South Basildon, also discussed Anti-Bullying Week, during which Hassenbrook held an 'Odd Socks Day' and the ambassadors made presentations to each year group, participated in a zoom call with anti-bullying teams across the country, and held a bake sale in the cafeteria.

In English lessons, students used the medium of poetry to explore the effects of bullying and banter.

The MP said: "It was very positive to hear from the ambassadors about the zero-tolerance attitude that pupils, and teachers, have towards bullying at the school.

"It is essential that pupils feel able to vocalise their thoughts, and excel academically, without fear of bullying."