A SPA headteacher is backing the Government's latest bid to clampdown on bullying.

Worcestershire County Council, which is the local education authority, will receive funding to appoint "behaviour and attendance consultants" who will advise secondary school teachers on how to tackle the bullying problem.

Headteacher Allan Foulds, of Droitwich Spa High School, is welcoming the idea but adds that they already have a zero tolerance policy to bullying at his school.

"This is nothing new to us. We do not tolerate bullying and take it very seriously. Our aim is to provide our students with a secure and safe environment in which to study but we completely support any new initiative from the Government."

The campaign, which is part of the Government's drive to raise educational standards and eliminate bullying, includes an information film - Tell Someone. This reinforces the message that children do not need to suffer in silence. An anti-bullying charter is also being developed and Ofsted will send out inspectors to schools to ensure it is implemented correctly.

Education minister Ivan Lewis said: "Tackling bad behaviour in the classroom is essential if we are to raise educational standards and create a greater respect for teachers.

"It is also central to reducing the anti-social behaviour which is damaging people's quality of life in too many communities. We must have a no tolerance approach to bullying in our schools. No child should know the dignity and distress of suffering in silence."

Primary schools will also benefit with the introduction of group activities to help youngsters develop good behavioural skills.