The following news report is direct from The Plume Academy, Maldon.

Throughout the whole of National Anti-Bullying Week (16 to 20 November) at Plume, Maldon's Community Academy, staff and students have been taking part in a variety of activities to demonstrate that we as an academy are 'United Against Bullying'.

To highlight this important topic and national agenda the week started with a whole academy assembly delivered remotely to every classroom by Mrs Alison Ollett, our LGBT+ Stonewall Champion. This assembly acted as a reminder to students as to what bullying actually is and in what forms it can occur, and outlined the activities on offer over the course of the week. The Anti-Bullying Alliance who spearhead this anti-bullying movement also supplied us with excellent resources which were adapted to meet the needs our students.

'Change starts with us' activities were then explored during tutorial times each morning with all year groups. These helped our students to understand that verbal, physical, online or in-person bullying can all have a significant detrimental impact on a young person's life and that by challenging our collective power as well as through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce or even stop bullying together. Small, simple changes can break this cycle and create a safe environment for everyone.

Each of our three library areas created displays of topical books available to our students to borrow and they also launched an anti-bullying competition at our Mill Road Campus for our 617 Years' 7 and 8 students in an effort to further entice them to become even more involved.

Student-led groups of volunteers sold Anti-Bullying merchandise, including 'Bullying – I won't stand by!' wrist bands and LGBT+ rainbow ribbons and laces. These have been received well by our students who have taken on the 'United against bullying' statement and collectively show their support through wearing these items. The money raised through the selling of these items will also be donated to anti-bullying charities.

On Friday 20 November, we also held an 'Odd Socks Day', which was designed to be fun and an opportunity for students and staff to express themselves and appreciate individuality and uniqueness – we had dozens of wonderful examples!

Our academy's teaching and support staff also had the opportunity to update their understanding of bullying through staff briefings and additional information shared throughout the week.

We are pleased that bullying incidents remain low at the academy, however the information shared with staff enables them to be vigilant of any possible bullying incidents. During the week we were also able to reiterate to our students that the academy is a safe environment where they can talk about their feelings and problems and will receive support where it is deemed necessary, or whenever it is asked for.