Anti-Bullying Policy
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a calm and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our school. If bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to talk in confidence, knowing that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Everyone who knows that bullying is happening is encouraged to tell anyone on the staff.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying occurs when a person is made unhappy by one or more other people. It can take several forms:
- verbal as in name calling, personal comments, racial abuse
- social as in not being spoken to or being left out of activities
- material as when possessions are stolen or damaged or extortion takes place
- mental as when pressure to conform is applied
- physical as in physical assault
Bullying is not the same thing as a disagreement between two people. Bullying is:
- systematic and ongoing rather than one off
- done by the more powerful to the less powerful rather than between equals
- distressing and hurtful to the victim rather than good natured fun
- always one way rather than an exchange
Anti-Bullying Code
- Bullying will not be tolerated in Branksome Heath Middle School. It is not an acceptable part of growing up.
- Every pupil has the right to enjoy learning and leisure free from intimidation.
- Pupils should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying.
- Bullying is too important not to report.
- Reports of bullying will be taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken.
Reporting Bullying
- Pupils can report bullying to any member of staff or Pupil Mediator.
- In particular, pupils should report bullying to their Class Teacher.
- If they prefer, pupils can do this via the Anti-Bully Box located in the Learning Resource Centre.
- If the bullying persists, pupils should report it again.
- Pupils seeing others being bullied should report it.
- When bullying is reported, appropriate action will follow either on the day or the next school day
Children will know who to talk to in the first instance. This will usually be their class teacher, but it could also be
- A Pupil Mediator;
- Another teacher known to them;
- A Learning Support Assistant;
- A Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant.
The children must be given every opportunity to report the bullying in the first instance, but it will be the class teacher who will follow up the allegations. Therefore, any other adult in a position of responsibility should feed back to the class teacher as soon as possible.
The class teacher takes steps to discuss the problem with the bully/ies using a 'no blame' approach. An early resolution is sought using these tactics. If appropriate the class teacher can refer pupils on to the Pastoral Care Worker for counselling.
Both bullied and bullying parties are informed that the situation is being monitored by the class teacher/s concerned.
If there is no improvement, or further bullying occurs, the parents of the bullying child must be contacted in order to come into school to discuss the problem.
As a result of the discussion clear expectations are laid down as to:
- Where the bullying child should be at specific times of the day;
- Who they should report to, and when;
- Who they should keep away from;
- What the arrangements are for beginning / ending lessons, lunchtimes, starting and ending the day.
Individual circumstances will determine the precise arrangements to be made.
Support is given to the bullying child to raise their self esteem and develop appropriate social skills, this will normally be undertaken by the Pastoral Care Worker.
Anti-Bullying Strategies
- A Classroom Ethos Which Promotes Respect for the Individual.
- Adults setting an example by practising basic good manners.
- Classroom rules which outlaw anti-social behaviour.
- Vigilance by all adults and pupils in the school.
- Discipline policy implemented consistently by all staff.
Discipline
- within the school, it is made clear that bullying will not be tolerated
- sanctions used take into account the severity of the bullying
- bullying behaviour is confronted clearly and pursued beyond the mere application of sanctions
- pupils who persist in bullying, despite counselling and support, are liable to a period of suspension from the school
Support for Pupils
- All pupils in Y4 to Y7 are issued with a copy of the school's 'Bully Busters' leaflet. This outlines our policy and procedures and is discussed as part of the PSHE programme.
- Pupils involved in bullying or threatening behaviour, either as a victim or bully are supported in order to overcome their problems. Intervention acknowledges the distress of bullied children and gives reassurance that they are not to blame. All incidents are treated seriously by listening to and reassuring the victim.
- Counselling takes into account the type of pupil e.g. timidity
- Willingness to take action is shown and action is taken when bullying is reported.
- The school has a number of Year 7 pupils trained as Pupil Mediators who are on duty each lunchtime. They can be approached, regarding bullying, if a child feels unable to speak to a member of staff.
- During morning breaks teaching staff will supervise the playground. During lunch breaks the Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teachers supervise playground areas together with the Lunchtime Supervisors.
- Pupils can report bullying to any member of staff .
- New pupils are made aware of the schools anti-bullying strategies as appropriate.
Support for Staff
- A copy of the schools anti-bullying policy is kept centrally for staff to view.
- All new members of staff are made aware of the schools anti-bullying policy
Support for Parents
- Parents of incoming Y4 pupils are informed of the school's policy at the New Parents Evening held in the Summer Term.
- All parents are encouraged to view the anti-bullying policy in full by appointment.
- Incidents of bullying reported by parents are treated in the same way as those reported by pupils
Raising Awareness of Anti-bullying
- All strategies outlined above have the consequence of raising the awareness of the unacceptable nature of bullying in and around the school.
- Care is taken to maintain a high profile for anti-bullying measures in order to remain vigilant. Anti-bullying strategy features periodically in the schools newsletters to parents.
- Bullying is periodically addressed at morning assemblies to highlight school policy and procedures.
- Anti-bullying posters are on display throughout the school.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Anti-bullying measures are a regular item on Staff Meeting agendas, under the heading 'Pupils in the News' to discuss the nature, frequency and suitability of action taken in response to reported incidents of bullying.
- Bullying is discussed regularly at pupil council meetings.
- Bullying incidents and action taken are recorded by class teachers as a matter of course and copies sent to Pupil Services.
- The Head Teacher reports annually to the school governors on the monitoring of the anti-bullying policy.
|
