LlanvihangelCrucorneyCountyPrimary School
Policies
aNTI-BULLYING POLICY
LLANVIHANGEL CRUCORNEYPRIMARY SCHOOL
ANTI-BULLYING Policy
- A definition of bullying
Bullying is “a persistent, deliberate attempt to hurt or humiliate someone and often involves an imbalance of power where a person or group of people repeatedly and intentionally cause emotional and/or physical harm to another person or group of people.
Isolated incidents of hurtful behaviour, teasing, arguments or falling out between individuals of equal power should not be seen as bullying.”
- Statutory Requirements
Head teachers and Governing Bodies must, by law, have a policy to prevent
all forms of bullying among pupils. Challenging bullying effectively will improve
the safety and happiness of pupils, show that the setting cares and make clear to
bullies that such behaviour is unacceptable. (Respecting Others: Anti-Bullying Guidance 2003)
Section 28 (2) of the Children Act 2004, which covers statutory organisations including Local Authorities, the Police, Probation Services, NHS and Youth Offending Teams, states that those key bodies must make arrangements to ensure that a) their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and b) that the services they contract out to others are provided having regard to that need. These safe guarding requirements, should be implemented to ensure the well being of any child or young person that they have contact with.
- School Aims
We aim, as a school, to produce a safe and secure environment where all can learn without anxiety. 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. This policy aims to produce a consistent school response to any bullying incidents that may occur.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNORS
The governing body supports the head teacher in all attempts to eliminate bullying from our school. This policy statement makes it very clear that the governing body does not allow bullying to take place in our school, and that any incidents of bullying that do occur are taken very seriously and dealt with appropriately and immediately.
The governing body monitors the incidents of bullying that occur, and reviews the effectiveness of the school policy regularly. The governors require the head teacher to keep accurate records of all incidents of bullying and to report to the governors on request about the effectiveness of school anti-bullying strategies.
THE ROLE OF THE HEAD TEACHER
It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher 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 know how to deal with incidents of bullying. The head teacher reports to the governing body about the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy on request.
The Head Teacher ensures that all children know that bullying is wrong, and that it is unacceptable behaviour in this school. The Head Teacher draws the attention of children to this fact at suitable moments. For example, if an incident occurs, the head teacher may decide to use assembly as a forum in which to discuss with other children why this behaviour was wrong, and why a pupil is being punished.
The Head Teacher ensures that all staff are fully knowledgeable and equipped to deal with all incidents of bullying, but they must always refer any concerns or incidents of bullying to the Head Teacher.
The Head Teacher sets the school 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 part of their behaviour.
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER AND OTHER STAFF
All staff in our school take all forms of bullying seriously, and intervene to prevent incidents from taking place. They inform the head teacher and note any incidents that occur within their class or in school.
If any member of staff witnesses an act of bullying, they 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 Teacher, the Head Teacher informs the child’s parents.
If any member of staff becomes aware of any bullying taking place between members of a class, we deal with the issue immediately. This may involve counselling and support for the victim of the bullying, and sanctions for the child who has carried out the bullying. We spend time talking to the child who has bullied: we explain why the action of the child was wrong, and we endeavour to help the child change their behaviour in future. If a child is repeatedly involved in bullying other children, we inform the Head Teacher. The child’s parents are invited into the school to discuss the situation. In more extreme cases, for example where these initial discussions have proven ineffective, the Head Teacher may contact external support agencies such as Behaviour Support.
The PSE co-ordinator ensures all teachers are kept up-to-date with information re: bullying and with the Head Teacher, on behaviour management issues.
Teachers attempt to support all children in their class and to establish a climate of trust and respect for all. By praising, rewarding and celebrating the success of all children, we aim to prevent incidents of bullying.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
Parents, who are concerned that their child might be being bullied, or who suspect that their child may be the perpetrator of bullying, should contact the Head Teacher immediately.
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.
MONITORING AND REVIEW
The Head Teacher, who reports to governors about the effectiveness of the policy on request, monitors this policy on a day-to-day basis. The anti-bullying policy is the governors’ responsibility and they review its effectiveness annually. They do this by examining the school’s anti-bullying logbook, and by discussion with the Head Teacher. Information recorded will be analysed with regard to gender, age and ethnic background of all children involved in bullying incidents.
This policy acknowledges that bullying can take place at all levels.The policies and procedures in this document are relevant to the whole school community. The school will endeavour to support both adults and children who become involved or are affected by bullying.
4.Links with Other Policy Statements
Other policies refer to bullying issues and should be read in conjunction with this policy statement. These include:
- PSE
- Behaviour Management
- Child Protection
- Equality
- Racial Incidents Policy
- E Safety Policy
5. The Delivery of Bullying Prevention
- Providing positive role-models
As stated in the Behaviour and Discipline Policy, good behaviour and respect for others is fostered by staff and any other adults in the school providing positive role-models for the pupils. It is essential that all adults in the school environment are not perceived to be modelling any form of bullying behaviour.
- Making our policy public
Definite statements regarding bullying are a part of the school’s Code of Conduct which is displayed in the Hall, and included in the Prospectus and The Annual Report to Parents. Posters and related pupil work are also displayed when appropriate.
Regular anti-bullying messages are given in whole school, class and house assemblies.
- Curriculum
Anti-bullying messages are delivered in the classroom through a range of curriculum activities such as Personal and Social Education, Creative Writing, Drama, Religious Education, Art and Design and the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) initiative.
- Pupil Involvement
All pupils play a part in determining the class Code of Conduct on the Friendship day early in the Autumn Term. This will involve much discussion regarding their “rights” as well as their “responsibilities”.
All pupils take part in and celebrate ‘National Anti-Bullying Week’.
Bullying Prevention Charter
In our School Community, we will:
√Work together to prevent bullying;
√Celebrate diversity;
√Promote equality for all;
√Respect difference;
√Be friendly to one another;
√Always report bullying;
√Deal with bullying seriously;
√Accept others, regardless of appearance, race, ability, culture, sexuality, gender or circumstances.
6. The Management of Incidents
Every member of staff should be alert to any incidents of bullying and report concerns to the class or head teacher.
Children are encouraged to report any bullying witnessed to their class teacher or the head teacher.
A record will be kept by the head teacher to monitor a potential bullying situation and an “incident form” completed for any specific incident that occurs.
Support for pupils will be give by staff and other pupils. This may involve the use of peer support and Circle of Friends.
Continuing Professional Development for all staff will be provided through appropriate INSET and staff meetings.
The Head Teacher is the named person responsible for monitoring and evaluation of this policy in our setting.
- Incidents out side of the Setting
Bullying can take place outside of school, to and from school, on school transport or on organised trips.
For further guidance see also:
Behaviour in Schools – Safe and Effective Intervention 2010
National Travel Behaviour Code 2009
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The Head Teacher, who reports to governors about the effectiveness of the policy on request, monitors this policy on a day-to-day basis. The anti-bullying policy is the governors’ responsibility and they review its effectiveness annually. They do this by examining the school’s anti-bullying logbook, and by discussion with the Head Teacher. Governors analyse information with regard to gender, age and ethnic background of all children involved in bullying incidents.
Our School Community:
Discusses, monitors and reviews our anti-bullying policy on a regular basis
Supports staff to identify and tackle bullying appropriately
Ensures that pupils are aware that all bullying concerns will be dealt with sensitively and effectively
Reports back quickly to parents / carers regarding their concerns on bullying
Seeks to learn from anti-bullying good practice elsewhere and utilises the support of the Local Authority and relevant statutory / voluntary organisations when appropriate.
DfES (2003) Bullying: A Charter for Action
9.Arrangements for reviewing the policy
This policy was agreed by pupils/staff/Governors on ......
The policy will be reviewed on......
Headteacher......
Chair of Governors......
Appendix 1 – Identification of Bullying
Appendix 2 - Reference to Legal Framework
Appendix 3 - Useful Information/Contacts
Appendix 4 – Pupil perceptions of bullying
Appendix 1
Identification of Bullying
It is important that the symptoms of bullying are recognised. This is not straightforward as many of these symptoms may result from other factors, but the following behaviours will be investigated:
- Reluctance to attend school.
- Withdrawn or isolated behaviour.
- Complaints about missing or damaged possessions.
- Refusing to talk about obvious problems.
- Being easily distressed or tearful.
- Damaged or incomplete work or sudden deterioration in educational attainment.
Appendix 2
Reference to Legal Framework
The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) places a duty on all settings to ensure that any person with ‘a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’ is not subject to discrimination.
TheRace Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 requires schools and Local Authorities and other public bodies to:
- Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination;
- Promote equality of opportunity; and
- Promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.
TheSpecial Educational Needs and Disability Act (2002) aims to ensure that all settings do not treat disabled pupils less favourably than others and that reasonable adjustments are made to avoid putting disabled pupils at a substantial disadvantage.
The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003covers discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and religion or belief, which apply to schools as employers.
Part 2 of the Equality Act 2006 and the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 make it unlawful to discriminate against a pupil or prospective pupil on the grounds of hi or her religion or belief, or sexual orientation (or that of a person he or she is associated with, such as a parent or guardian).
Appendix 3
Helplines
Childline0800 1111Parentline Plus08085 800 2222
NSPCC0808 800 5000 Kidscape08451 205 204
Useful Information
Children and Young People
Providing help, support and information to individuals, schools, youth and community settings affected by bullying.
Information and support service for children and young people.
An Anti Bullying Organisation that provides support for victims of bullying and their families.
Kidscape works with children and young people under the age of 16, their parents/carers, and those who work with them.
Free, confidential helpline. Get help and advice about bullying.
News, information and advice site for 11-25 year olds in Wales.
The National Youth Advocacy Service is a UK charity providing children's rights & socio-legal services.
Parents and Professionals
Stonewall'sEducation for All campaign, helps tackle homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools and works with a wide coalition of groups.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) brings together over 60 organisations into one network to develop a consensus around how to stop and prevent bullying.
Beatbullying works with children and young people across the UK to provide them with all important opportunities to make positive and lasting changes to their lives and outlook.
EACH is a charity foradults and young people affected by homophobia. It is also a not-for-profit training agency for employers and organisations.
Childnet International works with others to help make the Internet a great and safe place for children. It provides information and resources for parents and professionals.
Red Balloon supports children who have been bullied.
Mencap provides services, resources and training for parents, carers and professionals of people with learning disabilities.
Provides information for children & young people, their parents/carers and professionals, including training on safe internet use.
Appendix 4
Our Pupils’ Perceptions of what Bullying is...
and what Bullying isn’t.
Llanvihangel Crucorney primary School
Anti-Bullying Policy
March 2014