Bullying Policy and Procedures

Philosophy Statement

Definition of Bullying

Signs and Symptoms

Statement of Aims

Procedures

Is It Bullying?

Philosophy Statement

All forms of bullying can leave psychological scars that last a lifetime. At Warren Primary School we believe that every child has the right to feel safe and secure from bullying. This policy stands alongside our Behaviour Policy and it is important that the whole school community understands that there is zero tolerance of bullying. Back to top

Definition of Bullying

Bullying can be defined as a persistent physical or non-physical act conducted by an individual or group and directed against an individual who is unable to defend themselves when found in this situation. Both boys and girls can be bullies.

Physical bullying may include persistent kicking, hitting, pushing, spitting, damage to property, theft and extortion.

Non-physical bullying may include persistent teasing, name-calling, threatening, excluding and whispering campaigns.

Racial and sexual bullying can occur in both the above categories. Back to top

Signs and Symptoms

If children are being bullied, more often than not there are small signs of what maybe happening.

Some physical signs of bullying may be:
- Cuts and bruises
- Lost dinner money
- Damage to clothing and property
- Minor ailments like headaches and tummy upset
- Eating disorders
- Sleeplessness and nightmares
- Bedwetting

Some social signs of bullying may be:
- Lack of enthusiasm about friends or going out
- Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes
- Reluctance to go to school

Some psychological signs of bullying may be:
- Reduction in effort and competence in school work
- Heightened levels of anxiety and mood swings
- Destructive or self-destructive behaviour
- Bouts of apathy or depression
- Low self-esteem or isolation
- Threatened or attempted suicide Back to top

Statement of Aims

Children at school:
- Will be safe and happy
- Will be listened to when unhappy
- Can expect all staff to take all forms of bullying seriously
- Will be punished if they have been in any way involved in bullying another child
- Will have their parents involved if they have been in any way involved in bullying
   another child
- Will be encouraged to 'tell' when they are worried about something or see something being
   done to someone else

Parents should be assured that
- Children will be taught strategies to deal with difficult situations
- Their concerns will be taken seriously
- They are told of results following enquiry
- They will be informed if their child has been in any way involved in bullying another child

We as a school
- Will carry out our legal duty to care for all children whilst at school
- Will take every report of bullying seriously
- Expect children to respect each other
- Expect children to tell a member of staff when unhappy
- Expect parents to inform the school when they suspect their child is having a problem
- Expect parents to co-operate when sanctions are applied Back to top

Procedures

If your child seems upset and unsettled and you don't know why, it is worthwhile trying to find out.

Parents/carers should inform their child's class teacher first (where possible) at the initial signs of bullying. This will enable the teachers to tackle the source of the problem within the class environment. Should the problems persist then a meeting with the Headteacher should take place. This will enable the head to interview, investigate and decide on what action to take should this prove necessary. In serious cases the police or other relevant agencies maybe contacted and temporary or permanent exclusion considered. At all times complaints of bullying reported by parents will be logged and recorded as evidence. Back to top

Is It Bullying?

Please be aware that bullying is not the same as children having arguments or even physical contact with each other. All children fall out and disagree at some time or another. They usually make friends again very quickly. Back to top