Anti-Bullying
Aims and Objectives
- Bullying is wrong and damages individual children.
- We therefore do all that 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.
What is bullying?
Behaviour by an individual or group usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. (DCSF Safe to learn Guidance 2007.) Bullying can take different forms:
VERBAL BULLYING: Name calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments and teasing.
PHYSICAL BULLYING: Kicking, hitting, punching, pushing and pinching.
EMOTIONAL BULLYING: Offensive graffiti, excluding from groups, spreading hurtful rumours, being forced to do things against own will, taking belongings or money.
There are many different types of bullying such as:
- general bullying
- homophobic
- racist
- related to disability or SEN
- related to home circumstances
- sexist
- sexual
- transphobic
- cyber-bullying
We do not consider bullying to be: an isolated incident, a falling out, a one off disagreement.
General Principles
- Bullying is wrong and damages individual children.
- We do all we can to prevent it by developing a school ethos in which bullying is regarded as unacceptable.
- All allegations will be carefully investigated.
- Pupils, parents and staff will be encouraged to talk openly about the issue.
- As a part of the curriculum, greater understanding of bullying in all its forms will be developed.
- Children will be taught strategies to help them deal with bullying situations that they may encounter.
- Staff will respond calmly and consistently to allegations or incidents of bullying.
- The school will protect and support all parties during school/extra-curricular time and on school premises whilst issues are resolved.
- Incidents can occur both in and out of school.
Whole School Strategies to minimise Bullying
1. Set up friendship stops where children can go if they are not enjoying playtime. School council representatives will monitor the posts and will be trained to deal with minor issues, whilst referring on more serious issues to staff.
2. A regular programme of PHSE work, with emphasis on role play will support this, following themes laid out in the whole school curriculum.
3. There will be regular teacher – class discussion, e.g. during circle time, dealing with friendship / playtime issues.
4. Peer support will be strongly emphasised: children will be taught how to effectively support a bullied child and how to resist “Joining in” with bullying.
5. Cyber bullying is discouraged through our Internet Policy, which controls the use of programmes and prevents access to chat rooms etc. Children are also not allowed to be in possession of mobile phones during the school day.
6. Ensure all accessible areas of school, such as cloakrooms are supervised at all key times of day.
7. A school anti – bullying code is in use, giving clear advice to children on what to do if you are a witness or a target of bullying:
If you see someone being bullied:
- DON’T rush over and take the bully on.
- DO let a teacher or other member of staff know.
- DO try to be a friend to the person being bullied.
- DON’T be made to join in.
- DO try to help the bully stop bullying.
If you are a target of bullying:
- TELL a teacher or another adult in school about it
- TELL your family.
- TAKE a friend with you if you are scared to tell someone by yourself.
- KEEP telling a person until someone listens.
- DON’T blame yourself for what has happened.
Policy Documents