Anti Bullying Policy

Policy for Anti-Bullying Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator- Ms Serena Dixon Well-Being Co-ordinator- Mr Michael Bunting Inclusion Co-ordinator- Mrs Naomi Potter PSHE Co-ordinators- Ms Karen Marshall/Mrs Adrienne Walton Anti-Bullying Rationale Recreation Road Infant School recognises bullying is: “…any behaviour which is deliberately intended to hurt, threaten or frighten another person or group of people. It is usually unprovoked and is often repeated and can continue for a long period of time. It always reflects an imbalance of power.” (Birmingham Education Service. 1999) Recreation Road Infant School recognises that bullying constitutes inappropriate behaviour and that any reports will be dealt with seriously. Aims. Recreation Road Infant School aims to provide all pupils with a secure and caring learning environment, where any incidents of bullying will be treated seriously and confidentially. The school aims to be consistent in its dealing of bullying incidents, protecting and supporting all parties whilst issues are resolved and providing positive programs of personal development when required.

Strategies for Minimising Bullying. The whole staff is committed to anti-bullying, and employs a range of pro-active strategies to minimise bullying. These may include: • Awareness raising with children, staff, parents and carers; • Mediation sessions to resolve conflict; • Assemblies on bullying; • Using Circle Time; • Well-Being Group • Role play; • Drama; • Playground activities; • Close supervision; • Victim Strategies; • Record of incident, outlining the point of view of all parties involved;

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Procedures for Dealing with Bullying. Whilst staff employ strategies to minimise bullying, there may be occasions, when the Headteacher will need to step in and deem the behaviour as inappropriate, taking a more serious form of action. 1. Record of incident, outlining the point of view of all parties involved passed to the Headteacher.(see attached reporting form) 2. Headteacher to meet with the pupils concerned to discuss the incident and distress of the child being bullied in a calm and supportive atmosphere. 3. A date set for a week’s time to review the incident. Meantime the bullied pupil should be reassured and invited to report any further incidents to a designated member of staff/Headteacher. 4. Headteacher meets with pupils to ensure there have been no future incidents. In this instance no further action will be taken. 5. Reoccurance of bullying between the pupils concerned will be referred to the Headteacher who will repeat steps 1 – 4 and warn that a further incident will result in their parents being invited to discuss issues and establish strategies for improvements. On rare occasions when a pupil needs to be excluded, the Headteacher must clearly define the bullying behaviour deemed to unacceptable. A short period of one or two days may be sufficient to reinforce acceptable behaviour and to allow for early reintegration into the class.

Arrangements for Considering Complaints. An open dialogue between parents and staff is encouraged with the aim that any issues can be resolved. Ultimately, if necessary, parents can follow the formal complaints procedure set out in the school brochure. INSET. Appropriate training and additional INSET will be determined according to the needs of the school identified through the School Development and Improvement Plan. This is reviewed annually. The Role of the Anti-Bullying Coordinator. • • • • • • • • •

consult senior management, staff and governors ensure liaison with parents conduct regular reviews of the policy monitor anti-bullying practices develop INSET for colleagues update resources keep up to date with information about anti-bullying practices, disseminating such information to colleagues development of links with organisations and agencies who support classroom behaviour inform the headteacher of bullying incidents The Role of the Headteacher.

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share information from LA meet regularly with the Anti-Bullying Coordinator to discuss issues deal with bullying incidents report to the Full Governing Body

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The Role of the Governors.  

identify a Link Governor know the Policy and Procedures and monitor its implementation

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liaise with the Anti-Bullying Coordinator report to parents in the Annual Governors Report The Role of the Class Teacher.

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ensure consistency and commitment when dealing with bullying ensure consistency and commitment, minimising opportunities for bullying inform parents of any action taken when dealing with bullying inform the Headteacher of bullying incidents, providing a record of incidents outlining the view of all parties The Role of the Teaching Assistant.

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work with children under direction of the teacher ensure consistency and commitment, minimising opportunities for bullying The Role of Children.

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take responsibility for their actions recognise that bullying is unacceptable The Role of Parents.

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tell the school about their child’s behaviour or concerns seek advice from the school, LEA or voluntary organisations when their child is bullying or being bullied Policy Ratification.

Date of Staff approval Date of Governor’s approval Review Date

Headteacher’s signature Chair of Governor’s signature

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