Children at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs put their best mismatched feet forward as part of nationwide odd socks day.

Pupils from all age groups wore fabulous footwear in a sparkling show of colours and styles as part of a non uniform day to underpin the important message – it is OK to be different.

The aim was to express their individuality and also highlight the annual anti bullying week odd socks initiative.

Learning centred on the theme Choose Respect and children engaged with the nationwide BBC live lesson which embraced this and saw CBeebies star Andy Day, and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, perform their latest number, also called Chose Respect.

During the day children also took part in writing poetry based on the theme and created thoughtful, informative and interesting poems.

The focus day is part of Upton’s Personal Development Curriculum with links to building safe and healthy relationships.

Teacher Izzy Reed, the school’s Personal Development lead, said: “Our year groups learnt that there are lots of different ways to show respect. Their main takeaway was that we need to be aware of our actions and words and how they affect others.

“It is important that children develop an awareness of the wider world and empathy towards others. This learning is crucial in preparing them for secondary education and beyond.”

Head of School Darci Arthur agreed and added: “This initiative gave us yet another platform from which to highlight our stance about showing respect for others which is reaffirmed regularly to ensure our pupils feel safe and secure.

“They know if any of them need to discuss any issues including bullying they can speak in confidence to a member of staff immediately.

“We all have a part to play and we are all united against bullying.”

The Anti-Bullying Alliance website states: “We are a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, working together to achieve our vision to: stop bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.

The ABA has three main areas of work: supporting learning and sharing best practice through membership; raising awareness of bullying through Anti-Bullying Week and other coordinated, shared campaigns; and delivering programme work at a national and local level to help stop bullying and bring lasting change to children's lives.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance was established by the NSPCC and the National Children's Bureau in 2002 and is hosted by the National Children's Bureau.

Find out more online at www. anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School and Ramsgate Arts Primary School.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393