1. Introduction

Bullying is defined as actions that are meant to be hurtful, and which happen on a regular basis.  Bullying can be direct (either physical or verbal) or indirect (e.g. being ignored or not spoken to) It can also include cyber bullying involving the use of the internet or mobile phones.



2. Aims and Objectives

  1. 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.
  2. We aim, as a school, to produce a safe and secure environment where all can learn without anxiety, and measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of bullying.
  3. This policy aims to produce a consistent school response to any bullying incidents that may occur.
  4. 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 regards to the eradication of bullying in our school.

3. The Role of the Senior Team

  1. The senior team supports all attempts to eliminate bullying from our school.  The senior team will not condone any bullying at all in our school, and any incidents of bullying that do occur will be taken very seriously, and dealt with appropriately.
  2. Members of the senior team monitor incidents of bullying that do occur, in their department, and review the effectiveness of this policy regularly.
  3. A parent who is dissatisfied with the way the school has dealt with a bullying incident can ask the Headmaster to look into the matter.  The school responds as soon as possible to ant request from a parent to investigate incidents of bullying.  The Headmaster should be made aware of all cases of serious bullying.

4. The Role of the Head of Department

  1. It is the responsibility of the Head of Department 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 to know how to identify and deal with incidents of bullying.  The Head of Department reports to the Headmaster about the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy on request.
  2. The Head of Department ensures that all children know that bullying is wrong, and that it is unacceptable behaviour in this school.   The Head of Department draws the attention of children to this fact at suitable moments.  Foe example, if an incident occurs, the Head of Department may decide to use an assembly as the forum in which to discuss with other children why this behaviour was wrong, and why a pupil is being punished.
  3. The Head of Department will advise on appropriate training for all staff, including supervisory assistants to receive sufficient training to be equipped to identify and deal with all incidents of bullying.
  4. The Head of Department sets the 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 a part of their behaviour.

5. The Role of the Teacher and Support Staff

  1. All the staff in our school takes all forms of bullying seriously, and seek to prevent from taking place.
  2. Teachers 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 will either investigate it themselves or refer it to the Head of Department.  Teachers and support staff 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 Head of Department, the teacher and Head of Department informs the child’s parents.
  3. The Head of Department records all incidents of bullying that occur both in and out of class.  We also record incidents that occur on bus routes.  Any adult who witnesses an act of bullying should report it.
  4. When any bullying has taken place between members of a class, the teacher will deal with the issue immediately.  This may involve counseling and support for the victim, and punishment for the offender.  Time is spent talking to the child who has done the bullying, explaining to them why their action was wrong and how they should change their behaviour in future.  If a child is repeatedly involved in bullying, we inform the Head of Department.  We then invite the child’s parents into the school to discuss the situation.  In more extreme cases, e.g. where these initial discussions have proved ineffective, the Head of Department may contact other support staff.
  5. All members of staff should follow school policy and procedures with regard to behaviour management.
  6. Teachers use a range of methods to help prevent bullying and to establish a climate of trust and respect for all.  They use drama, role-play, stories etc., within the formal curriculum, to help pupils understand the feelings of bullied children, and to practice the restraint required to avoid lapsing into bullying behaviour.  Our philosophy is to praise, reward and celebrate the success of all children, and thus to help create a positive atmosphere.

6. The Role of Parents

  1. Parents, who are concerned that their child might be bullied, or who suspect that their child may be the perpetrator of bullying, should contact their child’s class teacher immediately.  If they are not satisfied with the response, they should contact the Head of Section or the Head teacher.
  2. Parents have a responsibility to support the school’s anti-bullying policy, actively encouraging their child to be a positive member of the school.

7. The Role of Pupils

  1.   Pupils are encouraged to tell anybody they trust if they are being bullied, and if the bullying continues, they must keep on letting people know.

8. Monitoring and Review

  1. This policy is monitored regularly and the Headmaster kept informed of any changes.
  2. This policy will be reviewed every year.

Reviewed: May 2010