ANTI BULLYING POLICY - The Humber Estuary Federation
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ANTI BULLYING POLICY
Updated April 2021 by Mrs A Davies
Next Review – April 2022
Aims
Within our federation, we take all forms of conflict, friendship problems, and bullying behaviour
seriously.
Our aims are:
• To provide a safe and secure environment for all children in our care.
• To create a happy atmosphere in which both parents and staff work together for the welfare of
the students.
• Everyone is mutually valued and respected regardless of gender, race, beliefs and ability.
• To encourage children to adopt agreed standards of behaviour and values in order to develop a
sense of self-discipline and to take responsibility for their own actions.
Definition of Bullying Behaviour
We acknowledge that both friendship problems and bullying behaviour can be upsetting and
unpleasant but it is important to distinguish between the two, as the responses to friendship
problems will be different to the strategies used to address bullying behaviour.
Friendship problems may be an occasional incident where both children disagree and find it
difficult to resolve the disagreement without adult help. It is unlikely to be repeated behaviour and
may even be accidental, where both children make an effort to resolve the problem. However, we
recognise that repeated friendship problems can sometimes lead to bullying behaviour.
Bullying behaviour is defined as - “The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group
by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying
can happen face to face or through cyber space” (Anti-bullying Alliance 2014).
Occasionally an incident may be deemed to be bullying even if the behaviour has not been repeated
or persistent – if it fulfils all other descriptions of bullying. This possibility should be considered,
particularly in cases of sexual, sexist, racist or homophobic bullying and when children with
disabilities are involved. If the victim might be in danger then intervention is urgently required.
Bullying can take many forms:
• Physical bullying (hitting, punching, finger jabbing, any inappropriate touching, pinching,
jostling, .breaking or taking property)
• Verbal bullying (name calling, put downs, threats, teasing, ridiculing, belittling, name calling,
excessive criticism or sarcasm.)
• Indirect bullying (rumours or stories, exclusion from a group, shunning, invading privacy,
graffiti designed to embarrass, withholding friendship or affection.)
• Cyber bullying sending nasty phone calls, text messages or e-mails/chat rooms.
Cyber Bullying
Our Federation makes it very clear that bullying using the world wide web, text messages, e-mail,
video or audio to bully another child, young person or member of staff will not be tolerated.
“Bullying can be done verbally, in writing or images, including through communication
1technology (cyber bullying) e.g: graffiti, text messaging, e-mail or postings on websites. It can be
done physically, financially (including damage to property) or through social isolation. Verbal
bullying is the most common form.
If a bullying incident directed at a child or young person occurs using email or mobile
phone technology staff members have a responsibility to;
• Advise the child or young person not to respond to the message.
• Refer to relevant policies including e-safety, acceptable use policy, anti-bullying policy
and apply appropriate sanctions.
• Secure and preserve any evidence.
• Inform a member of the SLT and record using CPOMS
• Inform the sender’s e-mail service provider.
• Notify parents of the child or young person involve.
• Consider parent workshops.
• Consider informing the police depending on the severity or repetitious nature of offence.
• Inform the LA e-safety officer.
If malicious or threatening comments are posted on an Internet site about a child, young
person or member of staff, staff members have a responsibility to;
• Inform and request the comments be removed if the site is administered externally.
• Secure and preserve any evidence.
• Send all the evidence to CEOP at www.ceop.gov.uk/contact_us.html.
• Endeavour to trace the origin and inform police as appropriate.
• Inform LA e-safety officer.
Children and young people should be confident in a no-blame culture when it comes to reporting
inappropriate incidents involving the internet or mobile technology: they must be able to do this
without fear. “
Who is bullied?
Anybody could be subject to bullying at any time in their life. It is not only something that affects
children.
A person is bullied when, either as an individual or part of a group, she or he suffers in any way
from the direct result of intentional and persistent harassment and/or victimisation by another
individual or group.
A person who has been bullied may commonly find it difficult to combat victim behaviour or
report their experiences to those who may be able to help them.
Some bullying is done because a child is deemed to belong to a certain group. This has been
labelled ‘prejudice based bullying’, and includes homophobic bullying, racist bullying, sexual or
gender bullying, and bullying of students with learning or other disabilities.
Children and young people who are at most increased risk of being the victims or perpetrators of
bullying are those who:
• are in foster care or residential homes (looked after children)
• have an Education health and care plan
• have specific special educational needs
• have a disability or impairment
2• are from minority ethnic backgrounds
• are refugees or asylum seekers
• start a school or activity group mid term
• are, or are perceived to be, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning of their
sexuality or gender
• speak a first language other than English
• are young carers
• have suffered bereavement
• have suffered domestic violence
• have experienced physical or emotional trauma
• have a parent that was a victim of bullying
Signs and Symptoms
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
• Begs to be driven to school
• Changes their usual routine: Is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)
• Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Starts stammering
• Attempts or threatens self-harm
• Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares/bedwetting
• Regularly feels ill in the morning
• Begins to do poorly in school work
• Comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
• Has possessions go “missing”
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises
• Becomes unreasonable when dealing with school issues
• Stops eating
• Is frightened to say what’s wrong
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above
Strategies for preventing bullying behaviour
Whole school approach
• Issues surrounding friendships and bullying behaviour are taught through the PSHE
Curriculum (based around the Jigsaw programme). Children are taught to explore some of
the ups and downs of relationships, including the positive aspects and benefits of
friendships and the negative aspects of relational conflict.
• Whole School Assemblies are also used to discuss bullying and raise children’s awareness
of what bullying looks like, and how they can respond.
• School Councils will provide a forum for discussing any bullying issues and for the children
to decide ways of preventing it and supporting those who are bullied.
• Positive play leaders to reduce potential conflict during breaktime and lunchtime
• The School Rules will be upheld at all times. All staff will monitor behaviour and
intervene when it becomes inappropriate in order to prevent bullying to develop. Staff on
playground duty will inform class teachers of any incidents.
3• Participation in Anti Bullying Week each year
• A ‘worry box’ is provided for pupils to write their concerns directly to the PSHE co
ordinator. These concerns are then passed on to relevant staff members and dealt with
accordingly.
• A friendship bench has been provided on the playgrounds for pupils wishing to sit and not
play and seek a friend.
• Playground and field games are available at lunchtime and playtime which encourage
co-operative play.
• Lunchtime staff are given training on identifying bullying and how to deal with it.
• Staff encourage children to report bullying and create a positive and safe environment
where pupils’ concerns can be expressed and problems solved without fear of
victimisation.
• Schools' teaching and ancillary staff must be alert to the signs of bullying and act promptly
and firmly against it in accordance with school policy.
Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development (included within Jigsaw)
Pupil’s SMSC development will be developed when learning about bullying by ensuring pupils:
• Respect each other including people from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic
backgrounds
• Recognise the difference between right and wrong
• Understand the consequences of their actions
• Understand the effects of their behaviour on others
Implementation
Where bullying does occur this will be followed, by an immediate and appropriate response,
including the use of disciplinary sanctions where necessary.
Early identification is the most effective way in minimising bullying behaviour and the effects on
the person being bullied. We also acknowledge that the person doing the bullying needs to
understand that their behaviour is unacceptable and must stop. They may also need support to
change their behaviour and explore the underlying reasons for bullying.
The following steps may be taken when dealing with incidents:
• if bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the
member of staff who has been approached
• a clear account of the incident will be recorded on CPOMS which will be sent to the SLT
including the head teacher
• The headteacher will interview all concerned and will record the incident by updating
CPOMS
• Teachers will monitor and ensure other staff members are aware of the incident and if it
persists, this will be recorded on CPOMS and parents will be contacted
• parents will be kept informed
• punitive measures will be used as appropriate and in consultation will all parties
concerned
Pupils who have been bullied will be supported by:
4• offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a member of staff of
their choice
• reassuring the pupil
• offering continuous support
• restoring self-esteem and confidence
Pupils who have bullied will be helped by:
• discussing what happened
• discovering why the pupil became involved
• establishing the wrong doing and need to change
• informing parents or guardians to help change the attitude of the pupil
The following disciplinary steps can be taken:
• official warnings to cease offending
• exclusion from certain areas of school premises
• minor fixed-term exclusion
• major fixed-term exclusion
• permanent exclusion.
Children are encouraged to report any negative behaviour, even if they are not sure whether it is
bullying. They can do this through:
• Speaking to their teacher/TA or any member of support staff
• Speaking to a parent/other adult who then may contact the school in any of the ways listed.
• Speaking to their School Council
Statutory duty of schools
Headteachers have a legal duty under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to draw up
procedures to prevent bullying among pupils and to bring these procedures to the attention of staff,
parents and pupils.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The school will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness.
The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the federation.
5Guidance and advice for Children and Young People.
If you are suffering Cyber bullying please follow the advice:
Do not ignore the bullying. Tell someone such as your parent/carer, teacher or youth worker.
Text/Video Messaging
• Turn off incoming SMS for a couple of days.
• Visit www.wiredsafety.org.
• Change your number - ask your mobile provider.
• Don't reply to abusive or worrying text or video message.
• Report it to your phone provider.
• Don't delete messages. Keep them for evidence.
• If distressing or persistent tell someone you trust.
• If threatening or malicious report them to the Police.
Phone Calls
• Don't hang up. Put the phone down and walk away for five minutes.
• Tell someone.
• Use 1471 to try and trace the number.
• Answer the phone only with "Hello". Don't give out your number if asked.
• Keep your phone with you or in a safe place.
• Use voicemail/answer phone to vet your calls.
• Get an adult to record your greeting.
• Most calls can be traced. Contact your operator.
BT Freephone
0800 666 700 recorded advice
150 personal advice
0900 661 441(office hrs) Tracing/changing number
O2
0870 5214 000 Customer
Services ncb@O2.com
Vodaphone
www.vodafone.co.uk
Tesco Mobile
Text 'bully' to 60000
• Keep a note of times, dates and any information and report to the police if
the harassment persists.
6Email
• Never reply to unpleasant or unwanted emails.
• Keep the email as evidence.
• Tell an adult.
• To find out where the email comes from, click the right mouse button over an email to see
details of the sender.
• Get your parent/carer to contact the sender's Internet Service Provider (ISP) by writing
abuse@ and then the host e.g. abuse@hotmail.com.
• Never reply to someone you do not know,
• Replying confirms your email address.
Web Bullying
• If the bullying is on a school website tell a teacher or your parent/carer.
• Copy and print the page for evidence.
• Contact the Internet Service Provider (see emails).
Chat Room, social media & Instant Messaging
• Never give out your name, address, phone number, school name, clubs you attend or
password online.
• Use a nickname.
• Don't give out a photo of yourself.
• Don't accept email or open files from anyone you do not know.
• Remember it might not just be people around your own age in a chat room.
• Stick to public areas in a chat room and leave if you feel uncomfortable.
• Tell your parents or carers if you feel uncomfortable.
• Think carefully about what you write - do not leave yourself open to bullying.
Remember: Don’t be a bystander
• If you know someone is being bullied by any means tell an adult or Peer Mentor.
The law is on your side
• The Protection from Harassment Act 1988.
• The Malicious Communications Act 1988.
• The Telecommunications Act (Section 43).
• May be used to combat cyber bullying.
• People may be fined or sent to prison for up to six months
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