Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all members of our school community so they can thrive in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our school. If bullying does occur, individuals should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a school. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to inform the staff.

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Pupils who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.

Our school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

• Teaching and non-teaching staff, pupils and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
• Teaching and non-teaching staff should know what the school policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
• All pupils, parents and members of staff should know what the school policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
• As a school we take bullying seriously. Pupils, parents and members of staff should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
• Bullying will not be tolerated.

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:

• is frightened of walking to or from school
• doesn't want to go on the school / public bus
• begs to be driven to school
• changes their usual routine
• is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)
• begins to truant
• becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• starts stammering
• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
• cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• feels ill in the morning
• begins to do poorly in school work
• comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
• has possessions which are damaged or "go missing"
• asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
• has dinner or other monies continually "lost"
• has unexplained cuts or bruises
• comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)
• becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• is bullying other children or siblings
• stops eating
• is frightened to say what's wrong
• gives improbable excuses for any of the above
• is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
• is nervous & jumpy when a cyber message is received
• isolates themselves from their peers

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

1. Report bullying incidents to staff
2. In cases of suspected bullying, incidents will be recorded by staff
3. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
4. In serious cases parents will be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem
5. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
6. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
7. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour. Thorough education, awareness and ownership of behaviour

1) The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise.
2) In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered
3) If possible, the pupils will be reconciled
4) After the incident / incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place. The final case closure will be signed off by the headteacher.

Please see safeguarding policy


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