Schools in England are being advised on how to stop the bullying of children with special needs or disabilities.
Schools in England are being advised on how to stop the bullying of children with special needs or disabilities.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls says bullying of this kind is the "cruellest expression of cowardice".
Schools Secretary Ed Balls says bullying of this kind is the "cruellest expression of cowardice".
The charity Mencap says eight out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied, and six out of 10 physically hurt.
The charity Mencap says eight out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied, and six out of 10 physically hurt.
The government says evidence shows that children with special educational needs might be more isolated.
The government says evidence shows that children with special educational needs might be more isolated.
They might find it harder to resist bullies and to tell someone about it.
They might find it harder to resist bullies and to tell someone about it.
Bullying children with special educational needs and disabilities has to be the cruellest expression of cowardice Ed Balls, Schools Secretary
Bullying children with special educational needs and disabilities has to be the cruellest expression of cowardice Ed Balls, Schools Secretary
The guide was launched at a conference, Aiming High for Disabled Children, by the schools secretary.
The guide was launched at a conference, Aiming High for Disabled Children, by the schools secretary.
Mr Balls said: "Bullying children with special educational needs and disabilities has to be the cruellest expression of cowardice. Singling out a child because they are different is unacceptable and wrong.
Mr Balls said: "Bullying children with special educational needs and disabilities has to be the cruellest expression of cowardice. Singling out a child because they are different is unacceptable and wrong.
"We all need to look beyond the disability and see the young person.
"We all need to look beyond the disability and see the young person.
"According to Mencap figures eight out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied and six out of 10 physically hurt.
"According to Mencap figures eight out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied and six out of 10 physically hurt.
"That means they're twice as likely to be targeted than other children. I find that utterly deplorable and something we must all work to put a stop to."
"That means they're twice as likely to be targeted than other children. I find that utterly deplorable and something we must all work to put a stop to."
Official figures suggest around 1.5 million of the school population, almost one in five, have a special educational need and that more than half a million children have a disability.
Official figures suggest around 1.5 million of the school population, almost one in five, have a special educational need and that more than half a million children have a disability.
The guidance follows specific advice to schools about racist and homophobic bullying.
The guidance follows specific advice to schools about racist and homophobic bullying.
It includes:
It includes:
Appointing someone to look out for a particular child
Taking time to talk
Including everyone in sport and physical activities
Using Sencos (special educational needs coordinators) to identify and monitor bullying, to intervene and support
Having a whole school policy against bullying
Appointing someone to look out for a particular child
Taking time to talk
Including everyone in sport and physical activities
Using Sencos (special educational needs coordinators) to identify and monitor bullying, to intervene and support
Having a whole school policy against bullying
General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders John Dunford said: "Schools work hard to create a climate of tolerance and understanding, especially for those with a physical or mental disability.
"Bullying in schools is taken very seriously, especially when it involves vulnerable pupils. The guidance will be useful in reviewing and improving strategies to deal with the particular issues of this type of bullying."
Are you affected by the issues covered in this story? Are schools doing to enough to tackle the bullying of children with special needs or disabilities? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Are you affected by the issues covered in this story? Are schools doing to enough to tackle the bullying of children with special needs or disabilities? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
