The Mentors keep a watch on break time behaviour

The Education Minister, Ivan Lewis, will head the meeting in Nottingham, looking at tackling the problem.

The event is part of the Government's Make a Difference anti-bullying campaign.

Schemes such as putting on special buses for the journey to school and having mentors in each class will be discussed.

Hawtonville Junior School in Newark is one school which has developed a special programme to prevent break-time bullying.

Teachers have selected some of the children to act as mediators.

They talk to fellow pupils when trouble threatens to break out.

They also intervene to stop fights during playtime and ensure bullying does not get out of hand.

It is hoped the conference will help more schools develop such schemes.