· All governors, teaching and non-teaching staff, pupils and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
· All governors and teaching and non-teaching staff should know what the school policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
· All pupils and parents should know what the school policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
· As a school we take bullying seriously. Pupils and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
· Bullying will not be tolerated.
The aim of our anti-bullying policy is to clarify for students and staff that bullying is always unacceptable. We wish to encourage an environment where independence and diversity is celebrated and individuals can flourish without fear. Every person has the right to be safe and happy in school, and to be protected when he/she is feeling vulnerable.
Bullying is repeated behaviour which makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened, whether this is intended or not.
Bullying can be:
· Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)
· Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
· Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
· Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
· Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
· Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
·
Cyber All areas
of internet ,such as email & internet chat room misuse
Mobile threats by text messaging & calls
Misuse of associated technology , i.e. camera &video facilities
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
· is frightened of walking to or from school
· doesn't want to go on the school / public bus
· begs to be driven to school
· changes their usual routine
· is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)
· begins to truant
· becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
· starts stammering
· attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
· cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
· feels ill in the morning
· begins to do poorly in school work
· comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
· has possessions which are damaged or " go missing"
· asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
· has dinner or other monies continually "lost"
· has unexplained cuts or bruises
· comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)
· becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
· is bullying other children or siblings
· stops eating
· is frightened to say what's wrong
· gives improbable excuses for any of the above
· is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
· is nervous & jumpy when a cyber message is received
These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated
People react differently. It is not always possible to tell if someone is hurt or upset.
Students who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy or nervous, feigning illness or clinging to adults. They may show changes in the work pattern, may lack concentration or may even truant from school.
It is important that we create an atmosphere in school where students who are being bullied, or others who know about it, feel that they will be listened to and believed, and that action taken will be swift but sensitive to their concerns.
The student planners have an explanation of our stance for the students and parents.
Any adult working in school should familiarise themselves with and be able to follow the procedure if they are alerted to a bullying incident.
If you need support to deal with the incident refer to the victim’s form tutor or the relevant learning manager.
Get a written account of the incident(s) and investigate fully.
Contact the parent
Log the information on SIMS (use the Victim of bullying and bullying categories as appropriate) (may also need to be logged as a racist incident)
Seek further advice if you feel a serious sanction is necessary
There will be a range of outcomes as a result of the investigation
The matter may be resolved through discussion.
Group changes may be considered
Students may be isolated or other sanctions imposed
Fixed term exclusions may be considered
Counselling/anger management
1) The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise. Other consequences may take place.
2) In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered
3) If possible, the pupils will be reconciled
4) After the incident / incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place.