This Document Is Primarily for Use by Edwinstree Staff but Is Available to Parents For

SECTION F

THIS DOCUMENT IS PRIMARILY FOR USE BY EDWINSTREE STAFF BUT IS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS FOR INFORMATION.

EDWINSTREE MIDDLE SCHOOL

A Voluntary Controlled Church of England Middle School

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

AIMS

To reinforce the aims of Edwinstree Middle School.

To educate the whole school community to

i) be able to identify bullying,

ii) to promote an environment which will not tolerate any form of bullying,

iii) to provide each individual with the skills and knowledge to be able to respond positively to instances

of bullying.

To ensure that a consistent approach to bullying is taken by providing clear guidance for those involved in the investigation of bullying.

CURRICULUM

To maintain the awareness of this issue and to develop the necessary skills each year group will have a planned “Anti-Bullying” Module within its Personal and Social Education course. This will be supplemented by other exercises if necessary.

PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH INSTANCES OF BULLYING

Availability

All staff should be aware that a pupil, parents or member of the school community may approach them to discuss a bullying problem. Pupils, parents and members of the school community will expect that the issue will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be taken. If necessary cover will be provided to allow this interview to be held. Staff should remain calm and listen carefully to the details of the incident being described. It may be necessary to ask for a written account. Never promise confidentially, but explain sensitively that you may need to tell someone else.

Research and Communication

Having listened to the initial details, the member of staff explains that they will now make further enquiries and that the concerned person should be reassured and encouraged to return to class or their duties and should not discuss the matter with others if asked. It could be suggested that they say “Mrs ???????? wanted to speak to me and asked me not to discuss it”. Staff need to make a professional judgement as to whether the person can cope with the situation.

In the case of pupils, the member of staff must now see the child’s tutor to agree who should investigate further and gather information from:

a) Pastoral records.

b) Tutor of the concerned pupil.

c) Year Co-ordinators of concerned pupil.

d) Interview any witness’ to the incident(s)

e) Interview the bully(ies). In both cases written accounts may be useful.

f)  Tutors and Year Co-ordinators of the witness’ and the bullies involved.

Incidents out of school

Whilst the school has no legal jurisdiction over pupils concerning any incident occurring outside school, if the school is informed that an unpleasant incident has occurred between pupils out of school, the Staff within Edwinstree will:

a)  monitor the situation carefully, and/or

b)  use their knowledge of the pupils to consider the benefits of getting the participants together in school to discuss possible repercussions.

Respond

The investigator agrees with the Assistant Headteachers, Year Co-ordinators (Deputy or Head if they have had prior involvement) and Tutor the action to be taken unless another factor emerges. Action can only be taken when an account can be proved. This consultation process follows the guidance provided on Page E1 of the Staff Handbook.

The investigator brings all parties together, explains what s/he has done and attempts to bring a consensus view of the incident(s), outlining clearly the acts which are considered to be bullying. All involved should be fully aware of their role in this incident and what is expected of them in similar situations in the future.

State clearly to all:

i) the action to be taken,

ii) the action to be taken if there is any recurrence of difficulties. Certainty of the action being taken is important not the severity.

The victim’s parents should be informed of the incident(s) and reassured that appropriate action has been taken without giving details of the other pupils involved. It is important to inform parents within 24 hours, if possible.

If this was the second recorded incident of bullying, parents of the bully should be informed. This should happen immediately in severe instances.

At a later date, time needs to be given to both the bully and the victim to identify the reasons for his/her behaviour and to give them strategies for avoiding similar situations in the future.

Record

It is vital that the investigator records all the important details of the incident on the pastoral record and Equal Opportunities form of all pupils involved. This should be completed as soon as possible on SIMS.

Review

The investigator should follow up each incident at an agreed time. Follow-up meetings must reinforce positive changes and reassure pupils. Any concerns from these meetings must be fully investigated.

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ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

An apology and assurance from the bully that there will be no repetition. It may be appropriate to set up a written contract between the bully and the investigator.

The above plus a written assignment to be completed at lunchtime/home to reflect the incident.

The above plus formally contacting parents.

The above plus an after school detention with appropriate written work.

The above plus removal from playground for a fixed period or exclusion from the school site at lunch time for a fixed period.

The above plus removal from tutor group for a fixed period/permanently.

The above plus removal from the year group for a fixed period.

Temporary exclusion.

WHATEVER ACTION IS TAKEN THE BULLY AND THE VICTIM MUST BE GIVEN SUPPORT TO CORRECT THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN SEEK ASSISTANCE WITH THEIR PROBLEM AT ANY TIME.

Anti Bullying Policy Reviewed March 2013