Policy for Anti-Bullying

Authorised by / Governing Body
Date of authorisation / January 2017
Review date / January 2018
Equality Impact Assessed / Model Policies EIA by Salford LA

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

At Mesne Lea Primary School we are aware that there are occasions when incidents of bullying behaviour take place. Under no circumstances are these ever condoned.Staff are vigilant at all times to ensure children are not affected by bullying of any kind and we will approach children if we suspect they are upset by anything in school. We teach the children to stand up to bullying behaviour although we appreciate that this may be difficult.

Definition of Bullying

At Mesne Lea Primary School, bullying is considered to be any behaviour which is a deliberate intention to hurt another which happens repeatedly or is perpetrated by more than one person.

Bullying behaviour can take the form of:

  • Repetitive attacks
  • Threat of future attacks
  • Name calling and nasty teasing
  • Spreading malicious rumours (including text messages on mobile phones and on social

networking sites such asfacebook)

  • Physical violence
  • Purposely leaving pupils out of social activities, deliberately and frequently
  • Damage to belongings
  • Taking belongings against another pupils will

Pupils have a duty and responsibility to report incidents, of which they are aware, which contribute towards bullying behaviour and are committed by other pupils. Failure to do so may be viewed as condoning this bullying behaviour.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Mesne Lea CP School acknowledges that pupils with SEN/D may be more vulnerable to bullying in all of the above ways. Mesne Lea School is committed to monitoring the well-being of all pupils including those with SEN/D.

Procedures

Incidences of bullying will be dealt with most seriously at Mesne Lea School.

  • As soon as the school is made aware of any actions, which may be construed as bullying, a thorough investigation will take place.
  • Pupils are constantly reminded that they should always inform somebody if they feel they are being subjected to bullying. This reminder system takes place in class discussions, circle time, PSHE lessons and assemblies.
  • The victim of the alleged incident will be dealt with sensitively, so that they do not feel that they are being further intimidated.
  • The school will inform parents/carers of bullying incidents.
  • Where possible, a Restorative Justice approach is used to resolve the issues and influence future behaviour.Support will be offered to all parties by the Learning Mentor or other senior staff member.
  • Incidences of bullying will be dealt with according to the procedures stated in this policy. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the intervention, there will be an appropriate period of monitoring after the event to ensure that there is no repetition.
  • Where it is clear that bullying is taking place the pupil’s name will be entered into Red Book or a fixed term exclusion may follow in accordance with the school's Behaviour Policy.

To Prevent Bullying

Staffs at Mesne Lea Primary are vigilant at all times throughout the day.

The following measures will be put in place:

  • At the beginning of each school year, and, at on other occasions as required, class teachers will discuss the definitions of bullying and how pupils should respond.
  • Information in home-school diaries
  • This will also be done for the whole school during assembly.

Teachers encourage pupils to discuss issues openly within personal, social and health education and circle time activities. Alternatively, staff will find time to speak with a child individually if appropriate.

Pupils and parents are asked to inform members of the school staff if they have any concerns or suspicions of bullying taking place. All pupils are encouraged to speak up if they are aware of others being bullied. Everything possible is done to prevent and eliminate bullying behaviour.

Advice for Parents.

If your child comes home and says they are being bullied please:

a)Discuss it with your child to determine what has happened and what actions have already been taken.

b)Remind children about the advice given in school - see below.

c)Talk firstly to the class teacher about the incident – the teacher will investigate and get back to you as soon as possible.

d)If you feel that the concern has not been fully resolved, please contact the Learning Mentor.

e)If you need further support or advice to resolve any concerns, or you do not feel that the issues have been resolved, please contact Mrs. Cartwright, Deputy Head Teacher or Mrs Finlay, the Head Teacher.

What to do if you think you are being bullied:

•Try to stay calm and look as confident as you can

•Be firm and clear – look them in the eye and tell them to stop

•Get away from the situation as quickly as possible

•Tell an adult what has happened straight away

At Mesne Lea you can talk to any adult. Miss Fisher is especially good at sorting out any problems you may have. Any member of staff can be told at anytime. Remember we always say we don’t want you to go home upset by anything that happens in school. If you feel a bit worried or scared or embarrassed – that’s OK and we understand. Perhaps you can tell a friend to tell a teacher.If you feel better tell someone at your house, they can contact school and tell us what has been happening.

When you are talking to an adult about bullying, be clear about;

•What has happened to you?

•How often has it happened?

•Who was involved?

•Who saw what was happening?

•Where it happened?

•What you have done about it already?

Policy Review

Mesne Lea School encourages discussion and reflection from staff, parents and pupils and this policy will subsequently be regularly reviewed.

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