NEW KIDS ON THE ‘SOCK’: BANBURY PUPILS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR ANTI-BULLYING

In recognition of Odd Socks Day (Monday 14th November), David Wilson Homes has worked with an Oxfordshire school to help its pupils design their own pair of socks.

The campaign marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week, led by Anti-Bullying Alliance, and the leading developer provided 60 pupils at Dashwood Banbury Academy with a range of white socks and fabric marker pens to get creative and celebrate each other’s unique qualities.

Having recently formed a new anti-bullying team, the school jumped at the chance to add the activity into the children’s agenda for the week and the pupils enjoyed designing their very own pair of socks.

Annelise Gooch, Assistant Principal at Dashwood Banbury Academy, said: “Our Year 3 children thoroughly enjoyed the sock designing activity provided by David Wilson Homes; it gave our pupils the opportunity to really consider what makes them unique and celebrate their differences through creative designs on the socks provided.

“With our recently formed Anti-bullying Ambassadors Action Group, it gave their campaign the perfect kick-start to ensuring that Dashwood Banbury Academy addresses any bullying behaviour, should it arise, and supports all pupils to ensure it does not continue. Mental health and well-being are at the forefront of our curriculum and the Senior Mental Health Lead, alongside the anti-bullying ambassadors, are working together to ensure we support all pupils through on-going campaigns and strategies.

“The anti-bullying themed books, generously donated by David Wilson Homes, will go into our quiet and reflective reading space under our Dashwood tree (created by all pupils in the school) in The Grove.”

The aim of Anti-Bullying Week is to create safe environments for children to learn, play and flourish without judgement or scrutiny.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance recognises that a small conversation can make a big difference. The organisation has reached millions of people across England and has begun to improve attitudes and behaviours towards mental health problems.

In addition to the design activity, David Wilson Homes has donated £100 worth of anti-bullying themed books to the school for its nurturing space in its library.

Dominic Harman, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “Being able to socialise with peers, create friendships and be open about mental health from a young age is extremely important.

“We hope that, by engaging the pupils of Dashwood Banbury Academy in Odd Socks Day, they will be encouraged to talk openly to each other and with staff members about how they’re feeling.

“Anti-Bullying Week is an important annual nationwide initiative, and we relish the opportunity to reach out to schools and organisations within our community and provide support for such a deserving cause.”

Dashwood Banbury Academy is located close to David Wilson Homes’ development The Pavilions, on White Post Road in Bodicote.

For more information about David Wilson Homes, please call the sales team on 033 3355 8479 or visit the website at www.dwh.co.uk.