Anti-Bullying
There is increasing evidence that bullying is a cause of considerable fear and anxiety for schoolchildren. It can give rise to a variety of problems including unhappiness, absence from school and low educational achievement. There are many ways in which bullying can occur, for example:
- Physical - hitting, slapping, kicking
- Frighten – shout, threaten, make demands, gang up on someone
- Tease – about shape, colour, looks, intelligence, skills, nationality, speech
- Damage to possessions – schoolwork, clothing, music/sports equipment
- Isolation – not permitting participation in groups, ignoring
There is a clear policy at the school to prevent bullying and therefore it will be dealt with effectively should it occur. We emphasize positive relationships and all in our community are expected to treat others with respect, courtesy and consideration. We aim to give all children a sense of security and self-esteem.
The following measures are designed to support our policy:
- Pupils are made aware of our attitude towards bullying. Form tutors issue the school policy to pupils and discuss the subject whenever appropriate.
- Form tutors and house staff are vigilant to any signs of unusual behaviour and the main areas of the school are visited regularly by duty staff.
- Teaching staff are advised on measures to prevent, detect and deal with instances of bullying.
- The role of the Chaplain and Matrons as pastoral figures outside the disciplinary structure of the school is made clear to pupils and parents.
- Ancillary and office staff are asked to report any unacceptable behaviour they see and children who seem anxious or unhappy.
- Parents are told about our policy and advised on how they can help.
- Pupils are alerted to the issue of bullying in their PSHE programmes.
- Childline numbers are prominently displayed around the school, as is a list of who to contact within the school structure if the need should arise.
- In the vertical house structure, senior pupils are allocated to junior groups for advice and support.
Parental Support
- Do all you can to give your children confidence and belief in themselves.
- Talk to your children about the subject. Let them know you will be supportive and encourage them to confide in you.
- Be alert for any signs of bullying.
- Support our policy by informing someone at school, trusting us to deal with the matter in a sensitive way.
