Running workshops and PSHE programmes around bullying and violence does not indicate that a school has a problem with these issues. Schools should not feel that this is the image they will portray.

The recent stabbing of teacher Anne Maguire in Leeds (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27193638) once again highlights the need for prevention programmes in schools. This school was said to be an outstanding catholic school with high morals and standards. It is unknown if they did have a problem with violence but presumably it is no worse than any other school.

'admitting they have a problem'

Violence prevention programmes such as Stand Against Violence (SAV) may be seen by schools as admitting that they have a problem. This is not the case. SAV delivers to many schools some who have problems and some that don't. The results are the same. Schools need to recognise that this is something that is important for young people to learn about because violence does happen, whether its a one off incident in school or whether its things going on outside of school.

All schools have an obligation to safeguard their pupils both inside and outside of the school gates. This doesn't just mean physically but that they must also feel safe in their environment. The day workshops we run offer a holistic approach to violence prevention including developing empathy with peers and others in society, personal safety and even basic life support. This ensures that young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to look after themselves and friends both inside and outside of school.

'stopping it before it happens'

Everyone in society has a responsibility to protect, help and look out for one another especially those in charge of schools and the pupils within them. Workshops such as SAV's have shown to help reduce fighting, aggression and bullying. All schools, those with problems and those without should be utilising our services. Waiting until there is a problem to prevent, such as the incident in Leeds makes any work much more difficult. Prevention is the key, stopping it before it happens and ensuring the safety of pupils and school staff is of paramount importance.