Anti-bullying policy

What we mean by bullying

Bullying is repeated, deliberate behaviour by one or more people that hurts, frightens, isolates, or humiliates another person. It can be physical (hitting, pushing), verbal (name-calling, threats), social (excluding someone, spreading rumours), or online (mean messages, sharing images without consent). A one-off unkindness, while taken seriously, is not bullying. Bullying is a pattern.

What is not tolerated

• Bullying on the grounds of race, nationality, language, faith, family circumstances, appearance, ability, or any other personal characteristic.
• Online bullying, including via personal devices used outside school, where it affects the wellbeing of other pupils.
• Bystander behaviour: encouraging, recording, or silently approving of bullying when seen.
• Retaliation or threats against a child who has reported bullying.

Prevention

• Our four school virtues (excellence, compassion, honesty, courage) are taught explicitly and named in classrooms every day.
• Anti-bullying is covered each term in PSHE lessons and revisited in assemblies.
• Older children are paired with younger ones for buddy reading and break-time games.
• Staff are trained to spot the early signs of bullying and to act on them.
• Pupil voice and the school council are invited to report on the social climate of the school each term.

How to report bullying

• Children: tell any adult you trust. Class teacher, teaching assistant, the chaplain, or the Head. We will listen.
• Parents: speak to your child's class teacher first. If you feel the issue is not being resolved, contact the Deputy Head, then the Head.
• Staff and visitors: report directly to the Deputy Head, who is the school's anti-bullying lead.

How we respond

• Every report is recorded, dated, and signed.
• The Deputy Head talks to each child involved separately, listens carefully, and takes notes.
• Parents of all children involved are informed the same day, unless that would put a child at greater risk.
• A clear plan is agreed: who has done what wrong, what needs to be put right, what support is offered to all parties.
• Follow-up is built in: a check-in conversation within a week, and again within a month.
• Persistent bullying is dealt with under the behaviour policy and may lead to suspension or exclusion.

Support for the child who is bullied

Our first commitment is to the child who has been bullied: that they feel heard, safe, and back in school as quickly as possible. The chaplain and class teacher are available for pastoral support and we will arrange external counselling if it would help.

Support for the child who bullies

Children who bully also need support. Our response is firm but restorative: we name the behaviour, hold the child accountable, and help them understand the harm done. We work with their family to address whatever is driving the behaviour.

Reviewing this policy

This policy is reviewed annually with the school council and the senior leadership team, and updated to reflect any new patterns of behaviour (including online) that have emerged.