Anti-bullying Policy

Introduction

Bullying is action taken by one or more children with the deliberate intention of hurting another child, either physically or emotionally. Bullying may take many forms some more subtle than others.  Bullying a child with a disability, racial bullying, sexual bullying and cyber bullying ( social web-sites, mobile phones, text messages and e-mails) all cause considerable upset, and in severe cases could cause psychological damage.   Incidents of bullying are increasing, all staff are aware and have been instructed on procedures.

Aims and objectives

Bullying is wrong and damages individual children. We therefore do all we can to prevent it, by developing a school ethos in which bullying is regarded as unacceptable.

We aim, as a school, to produce a safe and secure environment where all can learn without anxiety.

This policy aims to produce a consistent school response to any bullying incidents that may occur.

We aim to make all those connected with the school aware of our opposition to bullying, and we make clear each person’s responsibilities with regard to the eradication of bullying in our school. Our exclusion procedure is outlined in our Behaviour Policy

The role of the Principal

The Principal aims to eliminate bullying from our school. This policy statement makes it very clear that the Principal does not allow bullying to take place in our school, and that any incidents of bullying that do occur are taken very seriously and dealt with appropriately.

The Principal monitors the incidents of bullying that occur, and reviews the effectiveness of the school policy regularly. The Principal keeps accurate records of all incidents of bullying and reviews the effectiveness of school anti-bullying strategies.

The Principal responds within ten days to any request from a parent to investigate incidents of bullying. In all cases, the Principal conducts an investigation into the case in consultation with staff and reports back to the parents.

It is the responsibility of the Principal to implement the school anti-bullying strategy and to ensure that all staff (both teaching and non-teaching) are aware of the school policy and know how to deal with incidents of bullying.

The Principal ensures that all children know that bullying is wrong, and that it is unacceptable behaviour in this school. The Principal draws the attention of children to this fact at suitable moments. For example, if an incident occurs, the Principal may decide to use assembly as a forum in which to discuss with other children why this behaviour was wrong, and why a pupil is being punished.  Bullying issues are also dealt with through our PSHE curriculum.

The Principal ensures that all staff receive sufficient training to be equipped to deal with all incidents of bullying.

The Principal sets the school climate of mutual support and praise for success, so making bullying less likely. When children feel they are important and belong to a friendly and welcoming school, bullying is far less likely to be part of their behaviour.

The role of the teacher

Teachers in our school take all forms of bullying seriously, and intervene to prevent incidents from taking place. They keep their own records of all incidents that happen in their class and that they are aware of in the school.

If teachers witness an act of bullying, they do all they can to support the child who is being bullied. If a child is being bullied over a period of time, then, after consultation with the Principal, the teacher informs the child’s parents.

We keep an anti-bullying logbook in the staff room where we record all incidents of bullying that occur during the schoo,l dayoutside lesson time, either near the school or on the children’s way home or to school. If any adult witnesses an act of bullying, they should first record the event in the Teachers / Helpers book which is located in the staff room. Following discussion in the weekly full staff meeting, the incident will be recorded in the Bullying book should it be deemed appropriate. The Bullying book is kept in the staff room at all times.

If, as teachers, we become aware of any bullying taking place between members of a class, we deal with the issue immediately. This may involve counselling and support for the victim of the bullying, and punishment for the child who has carried out the bullying, following investigation of the incident. We spend time talking to the child who has bullied: we explain why the action of the child was wrong, and we endeavour to help the child change their behaviour in future. If a child is repeatedly involved in bullying other children, we inform the Principal  and the special needs co-ordinator. We then invite the child’s parents into the school to discuss the situation. In more extreme cases, for example where these initial discussions have proven ineffective, the Principal may contact external support agencies such as the social services.

Teachers attempt to support all children in their class and to establish a climate of trust and respect for all. By praising, rewarding and celebrating the success of all children, we aim to prevent incidents of bullying.

The role of parents

Parents who are concerned that their child might be being bullied, or who suspect that their child may be the perpetrator of bullying, should contact their child’s class teacher immediately.

Parents have a responsibility to support the school’s anti-bullying policy and to actively encourage their child to be a positive member of the school.

Monitoring and review           

This policy is monitored on a day-to-day basis by the Principal.

This anti-bullying policy is the responsibility of the Principal. She does this by examining the school’s anti-bullying logbook, and by discussion with the staff.