Anti-bullying policy
Anti-bullying policy 2009
1 Introduction
1.1 Bullying is action taken by one or more children with the deliberate intention of hurting another child, either physically or emotionally, usually repeated.
2 Aims and objectives
2.1 Bullying is wrong and damages individuals. We aim to prevent it, by developing positive behaviour management in which bullying is regarded as unacceptable.
2.2 We aim, as a school, to produce a safe and secure environment where all can learn and work without anxiety.
2.3 This policy aims to produce a consistent school response to any bullying incidents that may occur.
2.4 We aim to make all those connected with the school aware of our opposition to bullying, and we make clear each person’s responsibilities with regard to the eradication of bullying in our school.
2.5 At The Abbey we praise, reward and celebrate the success of all children, we aim to prevent incidents of bullying.
3 The role of governors
3.1 The governing body supports the Headteacher 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.
3.2 The governing body monitors the incidents of bullying that occur, and reviews the effectiveness of the school policy regularly. The governors require the Headteacher 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.
3.3 The governing body responds within seven days to any request from a parent to investigate incidents of bullying. In all cases, the governing body notifies the Headteacher and asks him/her to conduct an investigation into the case and to report back to a representative of the governing body.
4 The role of the Headteacher
4.1 It is the responsibility of the Headteacher 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 Headteacher reports to the governing body about the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy on request.
4.2 The Headteacher ensures that all children know that bullying is wrong, and that it is unacceptable behaviour in our school. The Headteacher draws the attention of children to this fact at suitable moments. For example, if an incident occurs, the Headteacher 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.
4.3 The Headteacher ensures that all staff receive sufficient training to be equipped to deal with all incidents of bullying.
4.4 The Headteacher 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.
5 The role of the teacher and other adults in school
5.1 Teachers in our school take all forms of bullying seriously, and intervene to prevent incidents from taking place.
5.2 If teachers witness an act of bullying, they do all they can to support the child who is being bullied. If a child is being bullied then the school will inform the child’s parents.
5.3 We keep an anti-bullying logbook in the office where we record all incidents of bullying which occur either in school or on the playground. If any adult witnesses an act of bullying, they should record the event in the logbook.
5.4 If, as teachers, we become 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 punishment 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 involved in bullying other children, we inform the Headteacher and the Special Needs Co-ordinator. We then invite the child’s parents into the school to discuss the situation. In more extreme cases, for example where these initial discussions have proven ineffective, the Headteacher may contact external support agencies such as Inclusion and Pupil Services (IPS) or Social Care and Health.
5.5 Teachers regularly address behaviour management which enables them to deal with incidents of bullying.
5.6 Teachers support all children in their class and aim to establish a climate of trust and respect for all through Circle Time activities in class.
6 The role of parents
6.1 Parents who are concerned that their child might be being bullied, or who suspect that their child may be involved in bullying, should contact their child’s class teacher immediately.
6.2 Parents are expected to support and work in partnership with the school in implementing its Anti Bullying Policy.
6.3 Parents have the responsibility for their child’s safety to and from school. However if there are any concerns regarding incidents of bullying outside of the school they should report this to the Headteacher.
7 The Role of Pupils
7.1 To know that everyone has the right to be safe and happy at all times.
7.2 To know that there is nothing so awful that it cannot be talked about to
someone.
7.3 To know that they have the responsibility to tell an adult about any incidents of bullying.
7.4 To know that there are adults in school to whom they can talk openly.
8 Monitoring and review
8.1 This policy is monitored on a day-to-day basis by the Headteacher, who reports to governors about the effectiveness of the policy on request.
8.2 This Anti-Bullying Policy is the governors’ responsibility and they review its effectiveness regularly. They do this by examining the school’s anti-bullying logbook, and by discussion with the Headteacher. Governors analyse information with regard to gender, age and ethnic background of all children involved in bullying incidents.
You can download the policy in pdf format here.