Anti-Bullying Guidelines
| These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Positive Behaviour Management Policy. At Western Primary School, we aim to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, which fosters positive relationships and a caring, co-operative attitude to all aspects of school life. The curriculum is designed to reduce the incidence of bullying within our school. However, procedures are in place to deal with bullying if the need arises. Issues will be addressed in PSHE and Circle Time. |
| Bullying is defined as physical or verbal intimidation. Bullying is designed to cause distress for the bully's own gain or gratification. It is the frequent, regular, premeditated behaviour by a child or group of children which results in the physical or emotional intimidation of another child or group of children. Playful teasing is not the same as bullying. However, if someone continues to tease, knowing that it is upsetting another person, then this is more serious and will be dealt with accordingly. Bullying should be distinguished from occasional, aggressive incidents, which although regrettable, do not constitute bullying. |
| Procedures for Dealing with Bullying |
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It is the responsibility of all staff and parents to create a climate where everyone understands that bullying will not be tolerated. Pupils should feel secure about talking to any adult in school. be available - staff will make it known that we are ready to listen and to provide immediate support |
| The Bullied Child |
| Giving support and protection to the bullied child is vital. We provide opportunities for discussion and counselling with a child who has been bullied. We avoid embarrassing or shaming the bullied child by focusing on the particular incident. We use 'supportive' children to ensure that the bullied child is befriended and protected, especially in potentially difficult situations. We consider the appropriateness of referring the bullied child for specialist help, having first secured the agreement of the child's parents e.g. Educational Psychologist, Welfare Officer, Child and Family Guidance. |
| The Child Who Bullies |
| Any child who bullies will receive support to prevent further bullying. Strategies may include: 1. Counselling to help the child understand that bullying is not acceptable behaviour and to help him/her empathise with the bullied child. 2. Modelling and role play. 3. A programme that specifically teaches interpersonal and social skills. Advice and support from outside agencies such as the Educational Psychologist, the Education Welfare Officer or Child and Family Guidance is sought where appropriate. Individual Education Plans may be written by staff and shared with the child's parents and the child. Progress is reviewed regularly and the programme of support is amended accordingly. |
| Advice for Parents/Carers |
| If your child is being bullied: encourage your child to talk about it, but be patient as he/she may be distressed stay calm but show that you are supportive avoid dwelling on sensitive issues reassure your child that you are sympathetic and will do something about it explain that it happens to most people at some time or another try to help your child to see the difficulty as a problem that can be solved ask your child if they can see ways of changing things talk to staff at school about the bullying and work with us to improve the situation help your child to develop coping strategies help everyone to keep a sense of proportion in the situation |