A MUM claims her daughter was left hurt and upset by a workshop designed to teach schoolchildren about bullying.

Caroline Jones’ daughter Celia came home from St Michael’s First School at Colehill complaining about a drama workshop led by Paul Stevens, in which he took on the character of “Lubly” and mocked her for sounding like she was “in the pony club”.

A girl sitting next to a boy called George was referred to as a dragon.

Ms Jones, of Colehill, said: “They were understandably quite upset.

“I just feel it’s wrong and shouldn’t be done to children. They need to be taught that bullying is painful, but it shouldn’t be directed at them.”

Mr Stevens threw a ball at a girl called Katrin, calling “Catcher, catcher” four or five times.

“He doesn’t know them or their backgrounds,” Ms Jones said. “To make derogatory comments is very hurtful.

“It was likened to a vaccination where the pain is outweighed by the good. Unfortunately though, I think in this case it is just pain.”

A complaint panel in January decided to scrap the workshop, but the decision was overturned, and Year Six will participate this term.

Parents are sent a letter about the PS Productions visit.

Headteacher Paul Nation said: “This workshop has been working for a long period of time, involving thousands of children, without any issues.

“The governors looked seriously at Mrs Jones’ complaint, and went through the correct procedure.

“Amendments have been made to allow children to choose a different name if they wish, so parents and pupils are comfortable with the process.”

Exmouth-based Paul Stevens has worked in schools for 12 years.

“I’m disappointed,” he said, and declined to comment further.

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