Councils should hire anti-bullying experts to tackle the issue in schools, according to a government education expert. The children's commissioner for England, Professor Sir Albert Aynsley-Green has recommended local authorities hire anti-bullying advisers, who would sit on independent panels to mediate in cases, and act as a final appeal body. Sir Albert's report, Bullying today, contains a number of other recommendations, including giving parents the right to a hearing before a governors committee. 'We strongly believe that schools should continue to develop anti-bullying strategies, but it would be in everybody's interests to improve how headteachers, governors and local authorities deal with parents' concerns about an incident involving their child,' he said. The commissioner will present more detailed proposals to education secretary, Alan Johnson, in the new year after further discussions with parents, teachers, and other organisations. Mr Johnson said: 'There is always scope to improve and we must never stop pushing for better ways of tackling bullying and ensuring that everyone is playing their part. 'I look forward to seeing the children's commissioner's full report, following the consultation.'
