Catsfield CE School
Achieve Excellence – Inspire Dreams
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
This policy applies to all pupils in school, including in the EYFS
September 2015
References:
DfE guidance Preventing and Tackling Bullying
DCSF guidance Safe to Learn – Embedding anti- bullying work in schools.
Next review September 2016 (annually)
Revised by
Signed off by
ANTI-BULLYING
General Statement.
The Head Teacher values the good relationships developed at Catsfield CE Primary School, and expects that every allegation of bullying will be taken very seriously. All staff, pupils and
parents should be aware of the negative effects that bullying can have on an individual and
the school in general, and should work towards ensuring that pupils can work in an
environment without fear.
Bullying is unacceptable in the school and will not be tolerated. Catsfield CE Primary School also recognises that because of verdicts in bullying cases it must take notice of bullying that
occurs outside school which spills over into the school. Catsfield CE Primary School will do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate any such bullying.
While this policy focuses mainly on the bullying of pupils by other pupils, it is recognised
that other forms of bullying may occur and this is referred to in Section 5.
It is a requirement that all schools have an anti-bullying policy. This policy reflects the DCFS
Guidance on the prevention of bullying “Safe to Learn- Embedding anti-bullying work in
schools”.
This policy also applies to the Early Years Foundation Stage.
1. Aims and Objectives
1.1. 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.
1.2. We aim, as a school, to produce a safe and secure environment where all children
can learn without anxiety, and measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of
bullying.
1.3. This policy aims to produce a consistent school response to any bullying incidents
that may occur.
1.4. 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 regard to addressing
and preventing bullying in our school.
2. Definition of Bullying
2.1. We define bullying as someone who physically, verbally or psychologically abuses
someone in such a way that they are left feeling vulnerable, frightened or
intimidated.
2.2. Bullying can manifest itself in many different forms including racial, cultural, sexual,
sexist, homophobic, disability and cyber(social websites, mobile phones, text
messages, photographs and email) bullying and bullying related to a person's home
circumstances or special educational needs, learning difficulty, disability, health or
appearance.
2.3. The seriousness of bullying should not be underestimated: it has the potential to
cause psychological damage and even suicide (although bullying is not a specific
criminal offence, there are criminal laws which apply to harassment and threatening
behaviour).
3. Procedure to follow when a complaint of bullying is first raised:
The following procedure will be adopted in the circumstances of a child/parent or a
member of staff raising a concern about bullying.
3.1. In the first instance, any complaint of bullying behaviour, whether it is physical,
verbal or mental, should be reported to the class teacher. The concern will be taken
seriously and will be addressed immediately.
3.2. The class teacher will speak to the child and reassure him/her asking that any
bullying behaviour is reported immediately. The child will be reassured that he/she
will not get into trouble for doing so and that 'telling' is an important part of making
things better.
3.3. The class teacher will inform the Deputy Headteacher.
3.4. The class teacher will make a log of any incidents of bullying or discriminating
behaviour and will address any such conduct immediately with the children
concerned.
3.5. If a concerning pattern of behaviour is found after 48 hours of close monitoring the
pupil's class teacher and the Deputy Headteacher will arrange to meet with the
parents of the child who they suspect is being bullied. (follow 4.2 below)
3.6. If a pattern of behaviour is not immediately obvious, the class teacher will continue
to monitor the situation and will again reassure the child on a one-to-one basis.
4. Stage 2: Escalation to the Senior Management Team
The following procedure will be adopted in the event that the above actions by the class
teacher fail to resolve the situation.
4.1. At this stage the complaint of bullying behaviour, whether it is physical, verbal or
mental, will be reported to the Deputy Headteacher and immediate action will be
taken. The Head Teacher will also be informed.
4.2. A meeting will be arranged with the Deputy Headteacher, class teacher and the
parents of the child who is suspected of being bullied. Ample time will be given to
ensure a full discussion of the situation including all evidence to date and actions
taken. A plan of action will be agreed with the parent/s in accordance with this
policy:
4.2.1. The class teacher will speak to the child who is suspected of being bullied,
reassure and him/her and request that any bullying behaviour is reported
immediately. The child will be again be reassured that he/she will not get
into trouble for doing so and that 'telling' is an important part of making
things better.
4.2.2. The class teacher will continue to make a log of any incidents of bullying or
discriminating behaviour and will address any such conduct immediately
with the children concerned.
4.2.3. Other members of staff will be alerted to the situation.
4.2.4. Specifically a programme of ‘intensive monitoring’ will be put in place,
where all teachers who interact with the pupil/s concerned will actively
observe and log incidents. This observation will cover all areas of the school
(playground and classrooms) and all activities (curricular/extracurricular/
break-times).
4.2.5. The Deputy Headteacher will implement whatever additional actions are
felt necessary in the particular circumstances.
4.2.6. Closecommunication will be maintained between all parties involved
4.3. If evidence of bullying is found, the parents of the child/children accused of bullying
will be contacted and a meeting will be arranged with the Deputy Headteacher and
the class teacher. Strategies to help the child accused of bullying to improve and
change his/her behaviour will be initiated, as well as strategies to enable the bullied
child to deal effectively with the unwanted behaviour of the bully.
Form time/carpet time will be used to discuss bullying issues with the whole class.
If the situation does not resolve itself other measures will be considered. These mayinclude seeking the advice of a professional third party such as s psychologist.
Catsfield CE Primary School Policy Document Page 5
4.4. If no evidence is found this will not necessarily be taken to mean that bullying is not
happening since the behaviours can often be subversive and secretive.
Staff will remain vigilant.
Discussions will be held with the group of children involved to promote
understanding and consideration for one another.
The pupil/s reported for bullying will not beindividually sanctioned nor their
parents involved without supporting evidence.
4.5. If the incident is particularly sensitive, such as one involving the child of an
employee of the school, then the Head Teacher may take the lead in place of the
Deputy Headteacher if this is agreeable to all parties.
4.6. Resolution: In the case that parents feel the bullying has not been satisfactorily
resolved then the parents should, in the first instance, put their complaint into
writing and discuss it with the Head Teacher as per the Complaints Procedure.
5. Other forms of bullying:
This policy focuses mainly on the bullying of pupils by pupils although it is recognised
that a staff member could be a victim and on occasion may be perceived to be guilty of
bullying. Staff members who are concerned about being bullied or harassed should
refer to the Staff Handbook. Pupils and parents who feel that a member of staff is
bullying should report this with reference to the procedure outlined above. Complaints
against teachers will be dealt with in accordance with staff disciplinary procedures.
6. Reducing the risk of bullying:
6.1. Teachers routinely attend training sessions, which enables them to become
equipped to deal with incidents of bullying and behaviour management.
6.2. Children at the School are supervised at all times by members of staff. Staff are
alert to the fact that bullying may take place at school and will act on any concerns
they may have.
6.3. Concerns are raised in staff meetings relating children in the school. However,
depending on the nature of the concern it may be more appropriate to raise these
directly with the Head teacher or Deputy Headteacher in the first instance.
6.4. Catsfield CE Primary School educates our pupils through the PSHE programme under taken by class teachers in every year group. We also use educational elements such as
assemblies, projects, drama, stories, literature, historical events and current affairs.
7. Links with the School Behaviour Policy.
7.1. Responsible and caring relationships are promoted and encouraged in the School
Behaviour Policy.
7.2. The school's caring and supportive ethos to our pupils well being
7.3. There are various and wide ranging sanctions for pupils who behave inappropriately
or maliciously.
7.4. If a child continues to misbehave the class teacher will seek advice from the Deputy Headteacher. The Deputy Headteacher will discuss the situation with the child's
parents and appropriate sanctions will be put in place. The nature of these
sanctions will vary according to the age of the child and the severity of the
behaviour. They will range from a child losing house points or play time to strong sanctions such as exclusions in the case of severe and persistent bullying.
8. Therole of the Governors
8.1. The Governors oversee all Policies and have the responsibility for ensuring that they
meet all regulatory requirements.
8.2. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Governors to ensure that all policies are
followed in substance and intent.
8.3. Parents, in the final instance, can raise issues directly with the local authority
if matters have not been satisfactorily resolved.
9. The role of the Head teacher
9.1. It is the responsibility of the Head teacher to implement the Anti-Bullying Policy.
9.2. The Head teacher ensures all staff are aware of the school's policy and have
sufficient training to know how to identify and deal with instances of bullying.
9.3. The Head teacher promotes a positive ethos in the school where every member of
the school community feels valued and respected and each person is treated fairly.
9.4. The Head teacher discusses all cases of bullying with the Senior Management Team
including the Deputy Headteacher.
9.5. There will be a full review of this policy annually.
10. The role of the Deputy Headteacher
10.1. The Deputy Headteacher is a senior role within the school with responsibility to
oversee all elements of pastoral care to ensure that the care of the pupils is
safeguarded and that the ethos of the school is upheld. This includes the
implementation of the anti-bullying policy.
10.2. The Deputy Headteacher works with the Head teacher to ensure all staff are
aware of the school's policy and have sufficient training to know how to identify
and deal with instances of bullying.
10.3. The Deputy Headteacher promotes a positive ethos in the school where every
member of the school community feels valued and respected and each person is
treated fairly.
10.4. The Deputy Headteacher provides an important support role for pupils, parents
and staff.
11. The role of the teachers and support staff.
11.1. Teachers and support staff in the school take all forms of bullying seriously, and
intervene to prevent incidents from taking place. They keep their own records of
all incidents that effect children in their class.
11.2. If teachers or support staff are aware that bullying is taking place they will follow
the school's procedure as set out in this policy.
12. Therole of parents.
12.1. Parents who are concerned that their child might be bullied or suspect that their
child may be the perpetrator of bullying should contact their child's teacher or the
Head teacher immediately.
12.2. 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.
13. Collaborative Approach – working together to safeguard pupils
SC 1 / September 2015