Breckenbrough School - Anti-Bullying Policy

  1. AIMS
    • To emphasise the issue for staff and remind them of their roles in preventing bullying.
    • To seek parents' and Governors' endorsement of the school approach.
    • To re-emphasise to children what the School's values are and how to act.
    • To outline the School's broad interpretation of what constitutes bullying and the prompt, stern measures it takes when instances occur.
  2. DEFINITION
    • Any systematic physical, psychological or sexual intimidation - usually by those in a position of power against those unable to defend themselves.
    • Implies wilful desire to hurt, threaten or frighten in order to cause distress.
    • Implies personal gratification for the bully or a desire to impress.
    • It is possible for a child to be a bully unconsciously and without serious intent to hurt.
  3. TYPES OF BULLYING
    • Taunting, teasing, name-calling, mocking physical or racial characteristics, shouting insults.
    • Touching, poking, pointing, pushing, scuffling, barging, actual hitting, threatening violence.
    • Malicious whispering to others, ganging up, 'Coventry' deliberately isolating; and group bullying.
    • Hiding personal belongings, defacing work, rubbishing achievement.
  4. LOCATION
    • In the lightly supervised areas of the school such as distant parts of the fields, in toilets and residential accomodation.
    • On the corridors at breaks, lunches and change of lessons.
    • On the school buses.
    • Walking around school.
    • In the classroom and communal areas of the school.
  5. ACTION IN THE EVENT OF BULLYING
    • Refer to Head/Head of Care.
    • Investigation: written statements if appropriate.
    • Counsel victim and perpetrator and contact parents if appropriate. Give support to all victims and perpetrators. Consider the public response to the incident.
    • Where appropriate choose level of punitive response for the bully (see Sanctions Policy).
    • Monitor effectiveness of intervention - consider outside counselling.

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