Anti-Bullying Policy. Incident Procedures and Management

Transcription

1 Anti-Bullying Policy Incident Procedures and Management

2 Introduction Every child in the John Wallis Church of England Academy has the right to learn in a safe, secure and supported environment where they feel free from the fear of intimidation, harassment, victimisation or ridicule from other individuals or from groups of individuals. The principles of tolerance and understanding and respect for others are central to what we believe. The Academy acknowledges that bullying, whether physical or non-physical, may lead to lasting psychological damage for the individual. This policy relates specifically to the bullying of students by other pupils/students. However, the Academy recognises that other forms of bullying can take place within schools. Many of the principles contained in this policy can be applied to forms of bullying other than the bullying of pupils/students by pupils/students, such as parent to teacher or teacher to pupil/student. The John Wallis Church of England Academy pledges to display the Bully s Checklist poster, in every classroom, to discuss the topic in assemblies, PSHE and Citizenship and to create a climate where the reporting of bullying is not seen as grassing. Vulnerable times and places during school time will be given good adult supervision. Key Priorities: That children and young people are protected from harm That they achieve their full potential in education That they have a happy and stimulating childhood That they grow up physically and mentally healthy That they feel good about themselves and respect others That they develop the essential personal and social skills to help them throughout life That they become active citizens and participate in society. The Nature of Bullying There are many definitions of bullying; most consider it to be: Deliberately hurtful (including aggression) Repeated, often over a long period of time Difficult for victims to defend themselves against Not all incidents of deliberately hurtful behaviour can be defined as bullying. Incidents in which bullying behaviour is apparent should be investigated in line with guidance contained in both Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies in order to establish whether a single incident is a bullying incident and if so, if it is isolated. DFE Guidance 10/99 Social Inclusion: Student Support advises that

3 Bullying is usually part of a pattern of behaviour rather than an isolated incident. Forms of Bullying It is important to remember that bullying behaviour forms part of a continuum of normal human behaviours. Bullying can take a number of forms, but four main types are: Physical hitting, kicking, taking belongings, damaging personal property Verbal name calling, insulting, making offensive remarks, s or writing offensive graffiti Indirect spreading nasty rumours, exclusion from social groups Cyberbullying bullying by electronic contact for example via text message, or via instant messaging Cyberbullying The DFE has issued guidelines to support schools, parents and students to tackle cyberbullying. There are a number of different forms of cyberbullying: text messages, picture/video clip bullying, phone calls, bullying, chat room bullying, bullying through instant messaging and bullying via a website. It is also very important to raise pupils /students awareness of cyberbullying; the forms it comes in and how to deal with it. There is advice on-line regarding how to respond to cyberbullying. DFE guidance on cyberbullying can be accessed via the link below: Information can also be found on Kent s E-safety in Schools Homepage: Who is Bullied? All children are potential victims of bullying. There are two main types of victims of bullying: Passive victims: anxious, lacking in self-confidence, physically weak and with low self-esteem. They do nothing to provoke attacks and do little, if anything to defend themselves. Provocative victims: physically strong and active. They may have problems with concentration, which causes tension and irritation to those around them, provoking other children to turn on them. Adults, including the teacher may actively dislike them, and they may try to bully weaker pupils/students.

4 Bullies: The term bully is certainly more complex than stereotypes imply, as are their victims. One piece of school based research found there were three main types of bullies: Confident bullies: physically strong enjoy aggression, feel secure, average popularity Anxious bullies: weak academically, poor concentration, less popular, less secure Bully/victim: bullies in some situations, bullied in others, very unpopular Academic Attainment and Attendance: Bullying impacts negatively on the achievement of individuals in school and consequently on the achievement of the school as a whole. Bullying also has a major effect on attendance, with those truanting or refusing to attend school frequently citing bullying as a factor in this behaviour. A healthy and strongly supportive school ethos is arguably one of the most important anti-bullying tools a school possesses. Bullying of Specific Groups: The John Wallis Church of England Academy will respond to all bullying that arises as a reflection of negative attitudes towards particular groups, all of whom have a right to feel safe within their school environment. We believe that diversity enables people to see things from different perspectives. Racist Bullying: Racist bullying and individual incidents are unacceptable, and in some instances criminal. Kent County Council has created guidance and a model procedure, Managing Racial Incidents in Schools, to assist and advise schools on their obligations and best practice. This can be found on Kent Trust Web. Further guidance on tackling racist bullying can be obtained from the Department of Education Bullying of Children from Faith Communities: Some individuals are targeted for bullying because they adhere, or are perceived, to adhere to a particular faith. Such bullying is sometimes connected to racist bullying. Homophobic Bullying: This involves the targeting of individuals on the basis of their perceived, or actual, sexuality or sexual orientation. Gender Bullying (Sexual Harassment): Sexual harassment or bullying by gender is common. Gender stereotypes and the experiences some children have of adult relationships can contribute to gender bullying. Bullying Due to Ability, Disability or SEN: students with SEN or disabilities may not be able to explain experiences as well as other children. However, they are at greater risk of being bullied. Children with behavioural problems may become provocative victims. This behaviour may need to be addressed as a behaviour target on a child s Individual Education Plan. There is also increasing evidence that children of high academic ability and those who work hard at school may be targeted.

5 Young carers: Young Carers may be vulnerable to bullying because their caring responsibilities can isolate them from their peers. They may be more mature for their years and therefore have difficulties fitting in with other young people or because of the stigma surrounding the health conditions, disabilities or addictions of the person for whom they care. Individual young carers may as a result experience low self esteem which may increase their vulnerability to bullying. In-School Support The Academy employs House Managers (non teaching graduates) who have received awareness training in conflict resolution approaches and the Academy does have support from a Police Liaison Officer when required. Support for Schools Partnership Support: KCC encourages all schools to access support through their Partnerships. A range of support, information and training is offered by the Specialist Teaching Service, the Attendance and Behaviour Service, the Advisory Service and by the Psychology Service, which can all be accessed through the Partnerships. Restorative Approaches: Kent Safe Schools and Kent Youth Offending Service have produced information for schools and settings in restorative approaches. Hard copies of the booklet can be obtained from Kent Safe Schools or alternatively copies can be downloaded from Support for Parents Supporting and Involving Parents and Carers: Supporting and involving parents is often key to successful anti-bullying initiatives. Steps that can be taken to ensure parental involvement include: Sticks and Stones: In addition, KCC has worked with partners to produce the Sticks and Stones booklet for parents of children who are being bullied, which has also been helpful to schools. This can be found at Partnership with Parents: Partnership with Parents purpose is to inform and empower parents/carers on all aspects of educational need to help parents/carers make decisions that are right for their child. They can be contacted via their Helpline Telephone Number on (01622) Kent Safe Schools: Kent Safe Schools offers practical help and support to schools wanting to involve students in actively tackling bullying. Students can be involved in all stages of policy making through involvement in a Youth Action Group and also in supporting students who may be vulnerable to being bullied through setting up Peer Mentoring schemes in both primary and secondary schools in Kent.

6 Anti-Bullying Procedures AIM The aim of the Anti-bullying Procedures is to support the Anti Bullying Policy in ensuring that students feel safe and cared for in school. Bullying is anti-social behaviour and affects everyone. The Academy will not tolerate bullying. PUPILS/STUDENTS WHO ARE BULLIED Victims of bullying often show changes in their behaviour. They may: become shy and nervous may pretend they are ill truant classes or school may become clingy towards adults or become attention seeking The pupils/students must be encouraged to report bullying in school straight away to any of the following: Class Teacher Personal Tutor Year Leader or Pastoral Support Manager Any member of the Senior Leadership Team STAFF All staff, including teachers, lunchtime supervisors, cleaners, teaching assistants need to know the signs of bullying and how to act promptly and firmly by following the guidance outlined in these procedures. STATUTORY DUTY OF SCHOOLS The Academy and its Principal have a legal duty under the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 to have an anti-bullying policy that all staff, parents and pupils/students fully understand. PUPILS/STUDENTS AT THE JOHN WALLIS CHURCH OF ENGLAND ACADEMY have the right to attend school have the right not to be afraid should feel happy and safe at school should be able to trust the staff should know and understand the Academy s policy on bullying staff and pupils/students should respect each other and treat one another with kindness and courtesy.

7 HOW THE JOHN WALLIS CHURCH OF ENGLAND ACADEMY WILL ACT DEALING WITH INCIDENTS Any student who reports bullying should first and foremost be helped to feel safe again. If a student believes they are being bullied they must be encouraged to go to a member of staff or a student-bullying mentor with whom they feel comfortable and on whom they can rely. Pupils/Students will be encouraged to make/dictate a written report. Copies will be kept on both the victim s and bully s Academy files. Class Teachers (Primary) or Personal Tutors (Secondary) will be kept informed so they can offer support when requested/needed. Parents will be informed. When appropriate, a sanction will be given for bullying in consultation with all parties involved. REPORTING AN INCIDENT INCIDENT occurs Report given either verbally or written: by student, concerned friend or parent. Personal tutor receives report. ACTION TAKEN (documents produced for pupils/students files and bullying audit). OR Pastoral Support Manager receives report from personal tutor. ACTION TAKEN (documents produced for pupils/students files and bullying audit). OR SLT and Governors receive report from House Manager. ACTION TAKEN (documents produced for pupils/students files and bullying audit). MATTER RESOLVED How pupils/students who feel they have been bullied will be supported: Pupils/Students will be offered an opportunity to discuss/report the incident with a member of staff/or peer mentor they feel comfortable with. Pupils/Students may be offered the use of a safe room that they can use when they feel vulnerable. Pupils/Students may also be referred to the School Counsellor. Pupils/Students will be offered access to professional organisations that can offer additional support such as Connexions, Child Line, Kidscape etc. Ashford Inclusion Unit, Pupil Referral Unit, Social Services, Educational Psychologist.

8 How pupils/students who bully will be supported: Pupils/Students will be given a bullying counsellor, (a member of staff or student) where appropriate to support and help them to change their behaviour. Parents/carers will be asked to help the student to change their behaviour and find out what caused their involvement. Pupils/Students will be dealt with sensitively taking care that the bully is not bullied and learns by the good example of others. Each case will be dealt with individually and judged accordingly. Any of the following actions may be taken. Type of incident Mild Pupil/Student is given a warning A letter is sent home Detention given to student Isolation at break time and/or lunchtime Loss of privileges Written warning Parents brought into Academy to discuss behaviour Short-term exclusion from school Pupil/Student placed on behaviour contract Police notified/ Police surgery SEVERE Student called before Governors Permanent exclusion

9 How the issue of bullying will be delivered/accessed at The John Wallis Church of England Academy The pupils/students will cover Bullying in their Classes (Primary Pupils) and in Citizenship, Drama and during Tutor time (Secondary Students). Assemblies will be used to raise the profile of the Anti-Bullying Procedures and the Bullying peer/mentoring group sessions. A Bully s Checklist poster will be displayed in every classroom. Bullying can become endemic where any large group of people are gathered together. The wider society is full of examples of bullying. These procedures are an attempt to ensure students are aware that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated at The John Wallis Church of England Academy, and that all students and staff have a responsibility to ensure everyone feels safe. MONITORING RECORDING EVALUATION AND REVIEW The John Wallis Church of England Academy will regularly review the Anti- Bullying Policy and procedures. The School Council, Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Body will assess its implementation and effectiveness. In addition, a survey will be conducted periodically to establish if there are target groups that need extra support. All incidents will be recorded and placed on the pupil/student s record. They will also be noted by the Assistant Principal and Year Leader separately for reference.

10 ANTI-BULLYING POLICY PUPIL S/STUDENTS VERSION BULLYING MEANS - Cruelty to others - It can be verbal, physical or mental BULLYING IS WORSE WHEN - Physical violence is used - Two or more gang up on one person - It goes on and on - The victim is deliberately isolated - Racist or sexist remarks are made - Money or favours are taken deliberately - Threats are made or witnesses are intimidated - Older or stronger students pick on weak or younger or handicapped ones THE RULE AGAINST BULLYING APPLIES TO EVERYONE - Teachers should not bully pupils/students - Pupils/Students should not bully each other - Pupils/Students should not intimidate adults (teachers and support staff) WAYS TO STOP BULLYING - Bullying often goes on in secret so if you are being bullied you: MUST TELL: A teacher A prefect Mum or Dad A friend SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST - All reports of bullying WILL BE INVESTIGATED - Sometimes reports of bullying can be sorted out quickly and easily, sometimes there has just been a misunderstanding - Some people who are bullies will stop once they understand how the victim feels BUT SOME BULLYING IS SERIOUS - In this case, the Assistant Principal will become involved - The bully will be sanctioned - Both sets of parents will ALWAYS be notified - If assault (hitting/kicking/any violence) is notified, police charges may well be pressed - The Academy will give serious warnings, including a final written warning - People who cannot or will not stop bullying will be PERMANENTLY EXCLUDED.