Statement of intent
The aim of the anti-bullying policy is to ensure that pupils learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied. Bullying is anti-social behaviour and affects everyone; it is unacceptable. We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our students and staff so they can learn and work in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. If bullying does occur, all students and staff should be able to report and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
Why do we need an Anti-Bullying Policy?
Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a person’s ability to be an effective member of our team, learn, develop, and grow. The negative effects of bullying can have an impact on a person for their entire life. Anteros Community wishes to promote a secure and happy environment free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behaviour. Therefore this policy promotes practices within our organisation to reinforce our vision, and to remove or discourage practices that negate them.
What is Bullying?
Bullying occurs when an individual or a group uses strength or power to hurt, either physically or emotionally, by intimidating or demeaning others. Bullying can be emotional, physical, racist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, verbal or cyber. It is usually persistent and is often covert, and is a conscious attempt to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. People who are being bullied, may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness, taking unusual absences or clinging to trusted persons. There may be evidence of changes in work patterns, lacking concentration or reluctance to attend.
Bullying can take many forms including:
Physical bullying which can include kicking, hitting, pushing and
taking away belongings;
Verbal bullying which includes name calling, mocking and making
offensive comments;
Emotional bullying which includes isolating an individual or
spreading rumours about them;
Cyber-bullying where technology is used to hurt an individual –
for instance text messaging or posting messages/images on the
internet or any form of social media
Racist bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by racial, ethnic
or cultural prejudice.
Sexual bullying is where someone makes unwanted physical
contact or makes sexually abusive comments.
Homophobic and biphobic bullying occurs when bullying is
motivated by a prejudice against lesbian, gay or bisexual people.
Transphobic bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by a
prejudice against people who identify as trans
Disablist bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by a
prejudice against people with any form of disability.
Sexist bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice
against someone because of their gender
With the advance in new technologies, Anteros Community is aware there is an increased risk of cyber bullying using e-mails, instant messenger, social networking sites, and public websites inappropriately. Therefore we have an ICT user’s and e-safety policy which all users sign.
Some warning signs that someone is being bullied:
Changes in performance
Appears anxious
Regularly feeling sick or unwell.
Reluctance to attend
Clothes/bags torn or damaged
Money/possessions going missing
Unexplained cuts and bruises
Unexplained behaviour changes, e.g. moody, bad-tempered, tearful.
Unhappiness
Loss of appetite. Not sleeping. Loss of weight
Seen alone a lot
Not very talkative
Some reasons why people bully
Desire to appear powerful
Unhappiness
Feelings of inadequacy
Difficulties at home
Learned behaviour (They too have been bullied)
How to get help
Who we can talk to if we have any concerns about bullying?
James Hoy – Director
Joanne Bleasdale – Director
Kelsey-Lea Doran – Arts Advisor
Anthony Davies – Visual Arts Tutor
Students and Staff can feel confident that any of the above will listen to their problem. people who have been bullied will be supported by:
Offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a form tutor or member of staff of their choice
Reassuring the pupil
Offering continuous support
Restoring self-esteem and confidence
People who have bullied will be helped by:
Discussing what happened
Discovering why the person became involved
Establishing the wrong doing and need to change
Informing parents or guardians to help change the attitude of the
pupil
Responses will vary depending on the nature of the incident, but may
include:
Counselling
Involvement of external agencies
Monitoring by Tutor/Mentor
Peer support
Formal recording (racism, hbt)
Use of Behaviour Agreement Contract
Liaison with parents/guardian/social worker
Fixed term exclusion
Permanent exclusion
Anti Bullying Procedures
It is made clear that bullying in any form is unacceptable. It will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly
Staff Responsibilities
To implement procedures to confront bullying in any form
To listen to all parties involved in incidents
To investigate incidents promptly and as fully as possible
To take appropriate action or to refer to Tutor/Directors/Client organisation as appropriate
To record in the appropriate students’ files and in the racist/HBT
(homophobic, biphobic, transphobic) record if appropriate
To share with parents/guardians of the victim and bully, incidents of persistent
and/or serious bullying
To implement appropriate procedures for a member of staff
To promote the use of a range of learning styles and strategies which
challenge bullying behaviour
To promote open management styles which facilitate communication and consultation within the organisation and relevant outside agencies
when appropriate
To promote the use of interventions which are least intrusive and most effective.
Anti Bullying Strategies
Regular promotion of anti bullying in day to day activities
Use of CCTV to help with the prevention of
bullying.
Open door policy
One to one counselling
Strong teacher-student relationships so students feel comfortable in reporting
any issues
CEOP training for staff (Child exploitation online protection)
Information leaflet for students and parents about E-Safety
Anti-bullying advice to Parents / Carers
• A great deal of bullying is CYBER-BULLYING. Please regularly
monitor your child’s use of texting, Facebook, Twitter and other
social media sites. Access to these is out of the schools control
when your child is not in school
• TALK to your child on a regular basis, so any problem is easier to
share
• LISTEN to what they say
• ENCOURAGE your child to feel good about themselves, realising
that we are all different and equally important
• If you believe your child is being bullied, or is a bully, talk to other
adults at home or at school and explore the options. DON’T
STAY SILENT
• If your child is a victim assure them that it is not their fault and that
you are going to do something to help
• Be realistic in your expectations, sometimes on-going problems
can take time to resolve
• TRY to be co-operative with our organisation and not be aggressive.
Without a good working relationship between parents and Anteros Community the situation could deteriorate, which won’t help you or
them
• ALWAYS remember that children can’t solve bullying on their own.
They NEED the support of parents/carers, school and our organisation.
REMEMBER – IT IS NOT YOUR CHILD’S FAULT
Monitoring, evaluation and review
Anteros Community will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and
effectiveness. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the
organisation.