ST Joseph's RC Primary School was a step ahead of the rest when it decided to organise an anti-bullying week.

Just weeks after planning the event as part of the personal and social health education curriculum, Marion Jay, the Chedworth Drive school's headteacher, was invited to a DfES conference on bullying.

The turnout highlighted one of the problems in tackling the problem.

While all schools are required to take a tough stance on bullying when it occurs, many, it seems, do not educate their pupils early enough to prevent incidents taking place.

"I was surprised there were very, very few primary headteachers at the conference and I was a bit disappointed," said Mrs Jay.

"Too often people say 'We don't have a problem with bullying' and dismiss it.

"While bullying is not a serious concern at St Joseph's, we do occasionally, as in all schools, have incidents of bullying which we deal with promptly.

"One incident of bullying in a school is one too many because of the devastating effects bullying can have on self-esteem."

The week started dramatically as Class Act theatre acted out a play to show pupils the extent of damage bullying can cause.

Following the performance, Year 5 pupils took part in a workshop to act out situations that could arise and highlighted how to resolve them.

"The play was quite hard-hitting and really started things off with a bang," said Mrs Jay.

"The theatre group contacted us and said they were in our area and it coincided perfectly with our bullying week.

"The fact that they are touring with a play about bullying highlights what an important issue it is."

This idea was underlined with a visit from a police officer, WPC Tina Dodd, who discussed issues of online safety for children.

The talk emphasised the risks of bullying during internet chatroom "conversations", when there is nobody around to supervise, and raised awareness that it can occur almost anywhere.

While guest speakers and events played their part, children from all classes also based their lessons - such as drama, poetry and creative writing - on bullying throughout the week.

The result was a whole school assembly on Friday morning with children from five to 11 performing and displaying the week's work.

It also culminated with the chairman of governors and members of the school council - of which there are two representatives in each class - signing an anti-bullying charter.

"We wanted to highlight that both the victims and those who bully need help and support," said Mrs Jay.

"We thought that by focusing our attention on the issue we could help all our children to be more aware of the problem throughout society and also provide them with strategies for coping with all types of bullying in school and in the wider world."

The important question is, were they successful?

We went to the experts for the answer.

Eight-year-old pupils Penny, James and Anna told us what they had gained from the week.

"We learnt that bullies need help to stop bullying because if they carry on it might mean that they don't get a good education," said Anna.

"Sometimes bullies feel cross and jealous because bad things are happening at home and we need to help them."

James added: "I liked finding out about bullying so we can help stop it.

"I learnt that I can feel proud about myself if I see someone being bullied and I tell the teacher about it."

For Penny, Class Act's dramatic performance was the outstanding feature of the week.

"When we watched a play about bullying, I learnt that if I am bullied I can write about it in my diary and help myself to sort out my thoughts in my head," she said.

The school has also introduced a "bully box", where pupils can put letters they have written about incidents of bullying for the teachers to find.

The week was backed by a BT Volunteers grant, which helped fund the extra-curricular activities and allowed the Warndon school to develop a continued anti-bullying policy.

"With the help of the money, we were able to fulfil our objectives and form a plan to consolidate and extend work done this week," said the headteacher.

"Our children and staff have all enjoyed the week and we realise that is only the start of a learning experience for our school that we will continue and build on in the months to come."

Bullying may start in the playground, but it can soon spread outside the school.

With children learning about the dangers as young as five, it will not just be Worcestershire's schools, but ultimately society, that benefits.