Anti-Bullying

Anti-Bullying Policy

(Revised 11 Dec 2006)
 
‘Live in peace with each other. And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.’
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15
 
Context
Bullying is a distortion of how God intended us to live in relationships with one another. It defies God’s plan of respect, worth and dignity of individuals, who are bearers of God’s image. Bullying is a sin that can leave scars on people and institutions. Bullying is an issue of the heart. It may exist in our school because of individual selfishness or pride, behavioural or emotional disorders, institutional denial or inaction, or, in our present cultural climate, may be influenced by the media. Forgiveness, healing and reconciliation are part of the way God graciously deals with us and should be reflected in our policy. In Bethany School we are looking for pupils to feel a sense of belonging, forge friendships with peers and maintain respectful relationships with adults.
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Definition
Bullying is behaviour which is unwanted, unreciprocated and hurtful to a person. It is the way in which that person perceives the behaviour which is important. It may be repetitive in its method and/or the target.
Bullying infers intent on the part of the alleged bully and can take many forms, including:
  • Physical          e.g. kicking, hitting, pushing
  • Verbal             e.g. name-calling, taunting, threatening, making offensive comments.
  • Emotional        e.g. excluding, undermining, gossiping about people. 
Bullying can be done face-to-face, through third parties or through sending images or messages by e-mails, text or the internet.
Children and young people can both bully and be bullied at the same time. Although some people are vulnerable to bullying because of physical or social characteristics, anyone can be bullied for any reason or difference.
 
Signs of Bullying.
The signs listed below do not necessarily mean that a child is being bullied, but if repeated or occurring in combination, they warrant investigation.
  • Anxiety about travelling to and from school
  • Unwillingness or refusal to attend school
  • Deterioration in educational performance
  • Patterns of physical illness
  • Unexplained changes in mood or behaviour, especially after a weekend or a holiday
  • Visible signs of anxiety or stress
  • Losing or having damaged possessions
  • Increased requests for money, or stealing
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts or damaged clothing
Governors, staff and parents should all be aware of the Anti-Bullying Policy, and take it into account in their work for the school. Also, the Curriculum should be used to help with awareness and prevention.
 
Procedure
This procedure should follow the pathway set out below unless the incident is so serious as to warrant immediate action within the Behaviour and Discipline Policy.
 
  1. Informal.
a)      A child feeling bullied may address the situation directly with the person responsible and explain that their behaviour is unwelcome and unacceptable. They may wish to seek assistance from their peers. This may resolve the situation and no further action may be necessary.
b)     If the situation is not resolved, or the person feeling bullied does not feel they can approach the perpetrator, then they should raise the issue with their Class Teacher, who should attempt to resolve the matter informally between the parties concerned. This may resolve the situation and no further action may be necessary. If the matter cannot be resolved, or the bullying is seen to persist, then the formal procedure should be followed. (Pupils should know that it is safe to make a complaint to a teacher, or another adult, in confidence. If this raises serious issues such as self harm, abuse, suicidal ideas, then the appropriate authority must be informed.)
 
  1. Formal
a)      The Class Teacher should inform the Head Teacher of the
                        alleged bullying, with as much detail as possible. There should
            be a written record of this (appendix 1) and the parents of
both parties informed. The written record will be placed in
the Incident Log.
b)     If bullying has occurred, the Head Teacher should form a plan of reconciliation in partnership with the Class Teacher, and all the parties involved.
This plan should include:
-          a description of the bullying and its impact on the victim
-          the consequence of continued bullying
-          expectations for each party
-          a time span for resolution.
 
If the plan fails and bullying continues then the Disciplinary procedure will be activated at the point of a period of temporary exclusion. Any dispute in this formal procedure can be brought before the Governing Council, who will assume responsibility for dealing with the matter.
 
The Head Teacher should report the number, nature and outcome of all established incidents of bullying reaching the Formal level to the Governing Body each term. (appendix 2)
 
 
 
Date agreed…………..
 
Date of review………….
 
Appendix 1
 
 
Reference Number:
 
 
Date:
 
Reporting Teacher:
 
Names of Parties involved:
 
Nature of Allegation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan of Reconciliation: Yes / No
(If yes attach copy)
 
 
Outcome:
 
 
Signature
 
 
 
 
 
Appendix 2
 
____________ TERM 200__
 
Number of Incidents:
 
Nature of Incident:     Racial      _____
                           
                        Verbal     _____
                           
                        Physical     _____
 
                        Other      _____
 
Conclusion reached:     Yes / No
 
Signature:
 
Date: