Anti-Bullying Policy Date: 24 th September 28, 2015 Reviewed: September 2016
OASIS ACADEMY MEDIACITY IS COMMITTED TO: Providing a caring, friendly and safe environment where no type of bullying is tolerated Providing a programme of education where all students are encouraged to develop respect for themselves and others Offering a programme of restorative justice Providing a clear behaviour policy Providing a system, which supports both the victim and the bully Work with parents and external agencies where necessary to overcome the difficulties Recognising that bullying is serious and will be dealt with fairly by all adults in the Academy Being sensitive to special needs and taking into account the wider issues that may affect the more vulnerable members of the academy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all members of the Oasis Community are aware of anti-bullying procedures and policies with the academy. Any further issues arising can be linked through additional policies found on the website including the Behaviour policy, Child Protection and Safeguarding policy, including those on E-Safety. We aim to promote equality and celebrate the differences of our community as recognised in the Oasis core values and ethos. WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is an action by an individual or group that aims to physically or emotionally hurt another person on a regular basis. Cyber bullying: Is the use of ICT (information, communication & technology) to harass, threaten or insult others with the intention to cause them mental or emotional harm. Racist Is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person. Sexual Unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature which may include: Indecent suggestive remarks. Name calling including homophobic. Inappropriate touching, requests or demands Indecent drawings, gestures or jokes. The circulation of obscene material by e-mail, texts, mobiles or social networking. Homophobic Occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against lesbian, gay or bisexual people. Disability Occurs when bullying is motivated on grounds of differences. Physical Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence Verbal Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing because of appearance etc TYPES OF BULLYING Bullying may take several forms: Verbal cussing, name-calling, threats and spreading rumours Gestures dirty looks, blanking offensive or intimidating gestures Physical violence towards anotherstudent, pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or using any other form of violence Extortion forcing exclusion or making student feel unwanted Written notes, e-mails, text messages, negative written communication, use of social networking
HOW TO IDENTIFY BULLYING Young people may not always be willing to disclose when bullying is occurring. If staff suspect that there is a difficulty they should report this concern to a Tutor/Pastoral Leader. If a parent/carer has concerns regarding bullying they should contact their childs Tutor or Pastoral Leader. Signs to be aware of are: Early signs of distress Deterioration of work Unnecessary appointments to Pastoral Team Becoming isolated A desire to remain with adults Erratic attendance or punctuality High level of illness Truancy Marked changes in personality Is frightened of walking to or from school Doesn t want to go to school by public/school transport Insists on being driven to school Changes their usual routine Is unwilling to go to school after previously enjoying being part of the school community 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 unexpectedly 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/ harassment 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 It is important that ALL incidents of bullying are taken seriously and are dealt with sensitively and effectively. If there is any doubt at all staff and parents should seek support from a member of the Leadership team.
PROCEDURES Academy Council The nominated Academy Council member will liaise with the Chair and the Principal over all anti-bullying/ harassment strategies and individual cases where appropriate. The Academy Council will discuss, review and endorse agreed strategies on the initiative of the nominated Council member, and in any case will discuss the Principal s annual report on the working of this policy. The Principal The Principal has a legal duty to draw up procedures to prevent bullying/ harassment among students. The Principal will: ensure that all staff have an opportunity of discussing strategies and reviewing them; determine the strategies and procedures; discuss development of the strategies with the Academy Leadership Team; ensure appropriate training is available; ensure that a system for recording bullying incidents is in place; ensure that the procedures are brought to the attention of all staff, parents and students; and report annually to the Academy Council. Staff It is important that all allegations of bullying are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and steps are taken to ensure that the situation is not made worse and that there is no reoccurrence. When an incident of bullying is reported: All staff have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying/ harassment. This will be outlined and reinforced regularly through staff training sessions. Brief notes of what the student says should be made and an appropriate report filed on CPOMS if necessary. Student should be asked to write a full account Tutor/Pastoral Leader should be informed and will make personalised plans in terms of resolution in consultation with parents and the students involved. Incident should be fully investigated, students interviewed and statements taken Empower victim offer opportunity to meet bully and express feelings Bully should be offered the opportunity to show remorse If possible students should be reconciled through the use of restorative justice Sanctions in line with Academy s Behaviour Management Policy should be decided by the Pastoral Leader. In serious cases the Leadership team and the Principal may also be involved where exclusion is deemed appropriate. Ensure victim is aware of sanctions that have been imposed and is happy that the situation is resolved Parents of both sides should be informed of outcomes the same day Tutor/subject teacher should be informed of outcome as appropriate Both victim and bully may need further support to ensure that the situation is fully resolved and does not reoccur Situation should be monitored to ensure that it has been finally resolved The Academys involvement in any incidents of bullying over social networking sites will be left to the discretion of the senior leadership team. In serious cases parents/carers are expected to contact the police. The Deputy Principal responsible for bullying will review data using the CPOMs system and regularly discuss at pastoral meetings on a weekly basis.
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed particularly if in the professional judgement of the Pastoral Leader and Academy Leadership team, both parties need to be contacted or external agencies need to be involved. Parents If parents suspect their child is being bullied they should contact the Academy. Parents should be prepared to talk about the signs and symptoms and any suspicions they have regarding those carrying out the bullying/ harassment. Parents must leave the initial investigation to the Academy. Any attempt to resolve the issue themselves is likely to make the matter worse. Parents should encourage their child to talk to an appropriate member of staff in the first instance Students If a student thinks they are being bullied they must tell an adult, parent, a member of staff and be prepared to explain what form the bullying/ harassment is taking and how it affects them Students who witness bullying/ harassment must tell an adult, parent, Learning Guide/mentor or another member of staff. Anti-bullying ambassadors meet regularly and report instances of bullying to staff, as well as helping to resolve and prevent social conflict and bullying in lessons and during social time. They will also make referrals to the appropriate support staff. All students involved in instances of bullying will be offered appropriate support from pastoral staff. If referred, the member of staff working with the student will decide if a whole class/year group piece of work is necessary. All students will participate in anti-bullying work through PSHE lessons and Anti-Bullying week led initiatives.
HELP ORGANISATIONS www.supportu.org.uk