A WIRRAL primary school has received the highest award given to a UK school for its work to tackle bullying.

Mersey Park Primary School, in Birkenhead, has been awarded the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark at Silver Level, demonstrating that children have a clear understanding of what bullying is and how to prevent it.

The school’s Anti-Bullying Steering Group, including teachers, teaching assistants, governors, parents and children, was recognised by the Anti- Bullying Quality Mark Team who visited the school and spent a day talking with various groups of the school community.

National Anti-Bullying Week ran from 17-21st November.

The school applied for the quality mark and collated evidence of the work carried out in school to prevent and deal with bullying.

Head teacher Margaret Thomas said: “The school’s engagement in Anti-Bullying Quality Mark UK had a significant impact on how OFSTED regarded the school and helped us to gain an ‘Outstanding’ in Behaviour and Safety in our last inspection.

"I am proud of the work of staff, pupils and parents to raise awareness of this important issue.”

The assessors said: “Mersey Park Primary School is the first school in the country to achieve the ABQM-UK Silver Award because it demonstrated that anti-bullying is embedded in its culture and practice.

“We would like to congratulate Rebecca Tootell for her leadership of anti-bullying in the school, as well as her colleagues, the pupils and parents for their hard work.

"We hope that the award recognises their efforts and inspires them to continue to develop anti-bullying with a view to achieving the Gold award.”