Our Vision:
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for our children, so that they can learn in a happy and secure atmosphere, free from fear.

If bullying does occur each child, parent and member of staff should understand that we are a TELLING school - they can tell a member of staff and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.

We will ensure that there is an awareness of bullying issues at all times and throughout the school.

What is bullying?
Bullying is the use of hurtful behaviour against another person, which is repeated over a period of time. Bullying can be emotional, verbal or physical.
Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.

Bullying can be:-

• Physical – pushing, tripping up, kicking etc.
• Emotional – name calling, humiliating someone or making unpleasant comments
• Indirect – spreading rumours, whether true or not
• Driven by prejudice – this might be racist or victimising those who have special needs or disabilities
• Cyberbullying – any form of bullying using a mobile phone or the internet, chat room or e.mail

It may also be bullying when

• A person is always left out or shunned
• Someone makes a threat of violence against you
• Someone takes your belongings deliberately
• Some tries to force you to do something you do not want to do

Whilst all these actions are serious and unpleasant and an adult would always stop them from happening, they are not necessarily bullying.

It is important to understand that playground disagreements do occur and children, with the help of an adult, will be shown the difference and taught how to deal with such incidents.

How will we prevent bullying?

We will prevent bullying through:

• Our curriculum
• The manner and actions of the staff
• School rules
• PHSE and Social and Emotional Learning programmes
• Assemblies
• An overriding respect for each and every person
• We will raise awareness about bullying and ensure that children, staff and parents know and understand our Anti-Bullying Policy.
• Our children will be encouraged to follow the school rules, which encourage good behaviour and discipline.
• Adults will model respectful behaviour that children can follow.
• We will all be respectful of each other’s feelings, beliefs and rights.
• We will encourage the children to make good, b relationships.
• We will teach children about other cultures and beliefs and try to reduce racism and homophobia.
• Children will be helped to understand the needs of others, particularly those with disabilities.
• We will ensure our children understand the importance of being a “TELLING” school and make sure they know how to report bullying.
• Children will learn how to manage their relationships with others and how to be assertive.
• We will work to build confidence in our young people.
• We will work with anyone who bullies to help them change their behaviour.
• Sanctions will be put in place to deal with incidents of bullying.
• We will establish clear rules for playground behaviour and there will always be effective supervision of the children.
• Staff will be trained to care for our children, to ensure that all rules are kept. They will be trained to identify and deal with incidents of bullying.
• We will be mindful that children with special educational needs and disabilities are often at greater risk of being bullied and they may not be able to articulate their experiences as well as other children.

Cyberbullying

• The school will regularly raise awareness and understanding about cyberbullying.
• The children will follow school rules regarding the use of e.mail and the internet.
• Parents will be given advice on cyberbullying and will be encouraged to take an active part in their child’s use of Information Technology.

Procedures when bullying is suspected

• Anyone who believes that bullying is taking place must tell an adult.
• We will listen carefully and sympathetically to the child/adult reporting the incident.
• Whether or not the incident is that of bullying, we will take steps to stop the reported behaviour.
• If the incident is that of bullying, we will talk to the bully and discuss what has happened to try and work through the problems.
• We will explain to the bully that their actions are hurtful and unacceptable.
• We will encourage the bully to acknowledge the hurt they have caused and explain why their actions are unacceptable.
• We will try to enable them to see how their actions could cause pain.
• We will explain the bullying behaviour has to stop immediately.
• The bully will be given opportunities to show that their behaviour has changed.
• If they fail to change their behaviour and the bullying is repeated, disciplinary sanctions will be put in place. (See School Behavioural Policy.) Sanctions will range from school detention to exclusion depending upon the severity of the incident.
• Where appropriate, Child Protection Procedures will be followed.
• Incidents of bullying will always be recorded.
• Once an incident has been reported and investigated the case will be monitored to ensure that repeated bullying does not take place.

Help Organisations

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) 0808 800 5793

Children’s Legal Centre 0845 345 4345

KIDSCAPE Parents’ Helpline 0845 1 205 204
(Mon to Fri 10 am to 4 pm)

Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222

Youth Access 020 8772 9900

Bullying Online bullying.co.uk

Antibullying Alliance anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk