Bullying in schools is a persistent problem for both pupils and staff alike. A new scheme based in Essex aims to combat the difficulties faced on a daily basis.

The scheme uses a workshop delivered in each school, which is run by the London Bus Theatre Company, and is completely interactive so allows pupils to deliver their own answers to the problems they face.

Such a workshop recently took place at Kings Road Primary School in Chelmsford, and has been hailed a great success, with pupils thoroughly enjoying themselves and learning a valuable lesson.

A total of 60 Year Four children from the school and their teachers took part in a variety of fun and informative activities, designed to promote awareness on the serious issue of bullying in schools.

The event, which was sponsored by Rochford District Council, enabled students to find general solutions to problems, as a collective body, and engaged directly with issues of personal development and group empowerment.

The workshop is run by Bristol Old Vic trained leaders and since it was founded in 1995, to provide sessions on both bullying and drugs, it has become extremely popular in the Essex area and is under a high level of demand.

Julie Ribton from the primary school, also the event organiser, commented on how staff saw the presentation as an excellent idea. "All the children were discussing the issue of bullying afterwards, and should hopefully this will show a positive reaction in the playground.

"The workshop was presented in an original way and the subject of bullying was looked at sensitively. We would gladly have them back," she said.

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