HARDING MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

The Staff of Harding Memorial Primary School believe that the whole school community should be made fully aware of the School’s Anti Bullying Policy. The School’s Anti Bullying Policy is not merely a list of regulations and sanctions but is also a statement of the school’s values and beliefs. The policy will give you some indication of the expected standards of behaviour; how you can help your child and the sanctions which may be employed should misbehaviour occur. In addition, it is also hoped that the policy statement will help you to understand the ethos, which underpins life in our school.

For an organisation to function and achieve its aims there is always a need for some form of accepted standards of behaviour and rules. To maintain this there is a need for a system of discipline. Discipline is the system and ethos which aims to cultivate in pupils an acceptance of, and recognition for rules, responsibility for their own decisions, their actions and their consequences. Good discipline practices create the conditions for effective learning and help to develop in children responsible attitudes and values for life.

The maintenance of good discipline is an essential part of school life. “Good Behaviour” is necessary for effective learning and teaching to take place and is in turn something that society expects education to attempt to develop in our young people. All pupils at HardingMemorialPrimary School are therefore expected to behave in a responsible manner, both to themselves, to others and to the environment, showing consideration, courtesy and respect for others at all times. To achieve our goal, we feel that parents must work in partnership with all Staff – Teaching and Non Teaching. The behaviour, which may sometimes be tolerated at home, may not always be acceptable in school, due to the large numbers involved. Naturally, we must expect the same standards of behaviour from all children and must therefore ask for your support and co-operation in implementing this policy.

Our system of discipline has at its centre a concern for the safety and well being of the pupils. It should not be seen as ‘punishment’ but as being concerned with the training of children to behave in a socially acceptable fashion while in the care of teachers and others in the education process. Such aims are best achieved in the framework of a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere where enthusiasm and industry dominate and in which pupils are able to give of their best, both in the classroom and in extra curricular activities and are encouraged and stimulated to fulfil their potential. Our discipline policy is therefore a positive policy of encouraging good attitudes, rewards and praise and setting a good example.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that intentionally causes distress to others. It may be:

Physical (e.g. hitting, kicking)

Verbal (e.g. name calling)

Non Verbal (e.g. excluding someone from a group by action)

Emotional (e.g. when it causes someone to lose self-esteem).

Anti Bullying Policy At HardingMemorialPrimary School

  • HardingMemorialPrimary School believes that all bullying is unacceptable.
  • The school recognises the harmful effects of bullying and will be proactive in minimising the risks.
  • Victims will be treated in a supportive manner.
  • Those children thought to be displaying bullying will be dealt with fairly, in line with the School Anti Bullying Policy.
  • The School will act to prevent, reduce and eradicate bullying in any form.
  • The School will have a consistent approach for dealing with incidents of bullying and will ensure that all members of the school community are aware of this policy.
  • The School will establish procedures to create a safe and secure environment for all.

Action To Reduce Bullying at HardingMemorialPrimary School

The school will use the following to reduce bullying behaviour:

  • A code of conduct followed by all staff, in line with Education Authority (Belfast Region) policy.
  • A School Management Team (S.M.T.) to monitor behaviour –Mr Cumper (Principal ) and Mrs Baird (Vice Principal) with the assistance of additional members of School Staff when deemed appropriate
  • Agreed procedures for responding to incidents – teacher reports to a member of the S.M.T. who will assist in contacting parents and talking to children.
  • Procedures for logging incidents (Teacher Behaviour Book)
  • Communicate the Anti Bullying Policy to all members of the school community.
  • Ensure through the School Positive Behaviour Policy that pupils, staff and parents are aware of their responsibilities.
  • Encourage positive attitude to Anti Bullying within school through ‘Circle Time’ and class discussions.
  • Periodically review the training needs of all staff.
  • Use Revised Curriculum Personal Development and MutualUnderstandingSchool Resources (PDMU)
  • Provide appropriate advice for both victims and perpetrators.

Individual Responsibilities

Teaching and Non Teaching Staff should:

  • Take all reports of bullying seriously.
  • Log all incidents.
  • Communicate with all concerned, in line with procedures (see below).
  • Participate in training.
  • Acknowledge appropriate behaviour.

Pupils should:

  • Report all incidents of bullying.
  • Respect and support peers.
  • Adhere to and promote the school’s anti-bullying policy

Parents should:

  • Promote good social behaviour.
  • Report any concerns to the school.
  • Actively support the school’s anti-bullying policy.

Staff Procedures

All Staff will take the issue seriously and deal with any Parents’ or Pupils’ or Staff concerns immediately.

All staff will record all events in writing

Staff will discuss any “bullying” issue with a member of the School Management Team. They will then inform the victim’s parents if they are unaware of the problem. The parents of the “alleged bully” will also be informed at the same time.

With the Principal plan a resolution of the situation for the victim and the alleged bully.

Report back to the victim’s parents (and the alleged bully’s parents if necessary) as quickly as possible.

The situation will be monitored by continued supervision, talking to the pupils etc.

If the situation continues, the School Positive Behaviour Policy Procedures will be implemented as for any breach of school rules with the appropriate consequences applied.

Some Possible Ideas For Resolution

  • Assertiveness training for victim
  • The “Solution Focussed” Approach - children suggest ways to change their behaviour
  • Circle Time

How Can You Tell If A Child Is Being Bullied?

A List of “Possible” Indicators

Possible Behavioural Symptoms

Does not want to come to school.

Has damaged or lost clothing or possessions.

Asks for extra money.

Arriving late for school

Avoiding friends at school

Is doing poorly at their work

Refusing to tell what’s wrong

Possible Physical Symptoms

Sleeps badly or cries at night.

Stops eating.

Unexplained bruises.

Has mystery illness

Feels sick frequently in class

Possible Emotional Symptoms

Becomes easily startled, irritable or aggressive

Is quieter than usual, withdrawn or distressed.

Loss of confidence

Bursts into tears

Harding Memorial Primary School Will Actively Encourage:

A pleasant and safe environment for the children and staff.

A litter free school area.

Preservation of existing facilities resources and fixtures.

An environment which is conducive to learning.

Rights And Responsibilities Of The Pupil:

It is hoped that the pupils at HardingMemorialPrimary School will enjoy their education. Every child has the right to feel safe and secure, while they are learning. As a result, every effort will be made to have their individual needs met by the staff as a whole. At the same time, we wish to encourage pupils to see that other children deserve and must enjoy the same treatment as they do.

Role And Responsibilites Of The Parent:

As was mentioned before, parents must take some responsibility for the discipline of their children. The basis for good discipline lies jointly with parents, pupils, teaching staff, principal and the Board of Governors. For good discipline to be maintained, all members of this partnership must co-operate. Parents are encouraged to take an interest in what their child does at school and try to support the teaching staff, where possible. Parents may consult with the Principal at any stage. If they wish to consult a member of staff other than the Principal they must first contact the Principal to arrange an appointment with that member of staff.

Role Of The Teacher:

The teacher’s role is to provide education for the children. When the children and the teacher understand and accept their different roles good discipline can be achieved. Teachers should set out clearly and in simple terms the rules by which they wish to run their classrooms. In all cases children should be given the opportunity to formulate and take ownership of the rules under the guidance of the class teacher. In the event of misbehaviour, they should use whatever sanctions / reprimands they deem necessary (in line with the guidelines laid out in the Positive Behaviour Policy), to restore good discipline. Should all action fail to bring about the desired effect, teachers may refer the pupil to the Principal for further action. Co-operation with parents may overcome the problems, so it is vital that the teacher tries to work in partnership with the parents, whenever possible.

Role Of The Principal:

The Principal has a key role to play in formulating and reviewing the Positive Behaviour Policy, and establishing the ethos of the school. He must convince pupils and teachers that they have a vital role to play in the life and organisation of the school. The Principal must ensure that the rules of the school are administered fairly and consistently to all pupils. The Principal should furnish the Board of Governors and the Education Authority (Belfast Region) with a report on the discipline within the school or the discipline of an individual pupil if and when necessary.

Consultation Procedures:

  • The class teacher will attempt to deal with incidents of unacceptable behaviour and will record noteworthy events in writing.
  • With the Principal’s permission, individual teachers may contact parents to make them aware of the situation.
  • If the “bad behaviour” continues, the case will be referred to the Principal, who will contact the parents and arrange a formal interview. If the “bad behaviour” persists, the school will implement the S.E.N. Code of Practice, and draw up an Individual Behaviour Modification Plan – I.E.P.
  • The Principal, will discuss the necessity of involving outside agencies, such as Education Welfare Officer, Educational Psychologist and make the necessary arrangements for a referral.
  • In the event of sustained “bad behaviour” the Chairman of the Board of Governors will be informed. At this stage the parents may be invited to attend a meeting to discuss the matter with the Chairman of the Board of Governors and the Principal. The Governors and Principal may refer the matter to the Education Authority (Belfast Region) for advice and guidance, at any stage.
  • Even with a positive behaviour approach there are times when sanctions will be necessary. They are necessary for two main reasons: To protect the authority of the teacher and other members of staff and to make the individual child and others aware of what is and is not acceptable behaviour within the school.

Harding Memorial Primary School Considers And Expects:

  1. Every child to be honest and truthful at all times.
  2. Every child to obey a member of staff’s instruction at all times in the interest of efficient classroom management, safety and general good behaviour.
  3. Each child to obey rules pertaining to the usage of school rooms and materials.

Harding Memorial Primary School Finds Unacceptable:

  1. Violence by pupils – whether directed at another pupil or member of staff.
  2. Foul and abusive language or obscene gestures at any time.
  3. Vandalism, malicious damage of school property or the personal property of another pupil.
  4. Theft.
  5. Bullying either by action or threat

Harding Memorial Primary School Staff follow these fundamental guidelines as a Strategy For Dealing with Bullying:

We will never ignore suspected bullying.

We do not make premature assumptions.

We will listen carefully to all accounts – several pupils with the same version does not mean they are telling the truth.

We will adopt a problem-solving approach that moves pupils forward from self-justification.

We will follow up proven cases to check bullying has not returned.

We will keep detailed records of all reported incidents of “Bullying”

Harding Memorial Staff will apply one or more of the strategies below, depending on the perceived seriousness of the situation. The emphasis will always be one of showing a caring and listening approach.

  1. Discuss the nature of the “alleged bullying incident” with the ‘victim’ at length, recording all the facts This will require patience and understanding
  2. Identify the “alleged” bully/bullies and any potential witnesses
  3. Speak to the witnesses
  4. Discuss the incident(s) with the alleged bully/ies. Confront them with the allegations and ask them to tell the truth about the situation/incident. Make it clear that this is only an investigation at this stage
  5. If the bully owns up, make it understood that bullying is not acceptable at Harding Memorial Primary School and what effect it has on the education of the victim and the rest of the children in the class/school. Apply sanctions relevant to the type of confirmed bullying incident
  6. If the allegation of bullying is denied, investigate further. If there is sufficient clear evidence that the incident of bullying has occurred, then relevant sanctions will be applied
  7. If it is required, there will separate discussions with the Parent/Guardians of the “Bully” and “Victim”
  8. Possible sanctions for the “confirmed” bully may include:
  • Withdrawal from favoured activities, for example after school activities or a school visit
  • Loss of playtimes for a period to be determined by the Headteacher
  • After School detention
  • Fixed period of suspension from school
  1. Provide a Pastoral Support Programme for the victim with a mentor/named person (usually a member of the School Management Team) monitoring and observing at break times and lunchtimes, and through discussion to make sure there is no repetition.
  2. Provide a Pastoral Support Programme for the child/children who have had confirmed incidents of demonstrating “bullying behaviour”. This will include opportunities in circle time or groups for the child/ren to discuss relationships, feelings and the effect bullying can have on individuals.

In order to reduce incidents of bullying and recognise bullies, at Harding Memorial Primary School all School Teaching and Non – Teaching Staff watch for early signs of distress in pupils. We listen, we believe, we act – Everyone Is Important In Our School

Bullying Directed Towards Race, Religion, Gender, Sexual Orientation or Disability

Haring Memorial Primary School will not tolerate bullying against anyone because of his or her race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Stereotypical views that “belittle or demean” other pupils will be challenged by School Staff. All pupils will be encouraged to learn to appreciate and view positively differences in others, whether arising from race, religion, gender, ability or disability.

Harding Memorial Primary School cannot be held directly responsible for bullying off the school premises. However, if both the “victim” and the “bully” are from Harding Memorial, action will be taken by the Principal as if the incident has occurred within the school, and this will includes informing parents. A possible example of this type of incident is when an alleged bullying incident occurs via “Text Messaging” or “Social Media”. Harding Memorial Primary School would be of the opinion that this type of behaviour could be possibly categorized as “Cyber Bullying” and would be dealt with directly by the School Principal. If a child from Harding Memorial Primary School is involved in a bullying incident with a pupil from another school we will attempt liaise with representatives from the other school.

Harding Memorial Primary School strongly discourages Primary School Age Pupils from bringing mobile phones to school. However we fully acknowledge a parent’s right to allow their child to bring a mobile phone to school due to “Exceptional Pastoral Care Circumstances”. Nevertheless these “Exceptional Circumstances” should be discussed beforehand with the Principal, Mr Cumper, either by personal contact or by providing a written request from the child’s Parent/Guardian.

If a pupil has been granted “permission by the School Principal to bring a Mobile Phone to School”, it is expected that this Mobile Phone will remain switched off while pupils are in class, the school building and the school grounds. Should parents need to contact pupils, or vice versa, this should be done following the usual school procedures: via the school office and Mrs Shannon or Mr Cumper.

If a pupil is found taking photographs or video footage with a mobile phone of either other pupils or teachers, this will be regarded as a serious offence and disciplinary action will be taken according to the School’s Discipline Policy. Parents are advised that Harding Memorial accepts no liability for the loss or damage to mobile phones which are brought into the school or school grounds.

Finally we would encourage all Parent/Guardians to take time to talk to their children about who is entitled to use his/her mobile number and the potential danger of misuse of text messages with the associated risks of potential Cyber Bullying. In particular we would like to highlight the following web link regarding information on how to “Stop Nuisance Or Malicious Calls And Texts”

Additional information about the use of Social Media and ICT Technologies can be accessed via the following website link below: